Requirements
The process of becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer requires an online application, three personal/professional references, and a criminal background check. A staff member will conduct a personal interview. The Volunteer will be sworn in by a district court judge before assignment of his or her first case. The GAL Volunteer will commit to at least 4 hours per month on appointed cases.
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Training and Supervision
A Volunteer must complete required training, which is provided free of charge. The North Carolina Volunteer Guardian ad Litem training curriculum is taught by certified and experienced GAL trainers or staff. Volunteers also receive continuing education on advocacy issues. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers are supervised by the program staff.
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OUR TEAM APPROACH
COMPONENTS
Staff
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND SITUATION
GAL staff recruit, train, and supervise volunteers. These roles, along with thorough screening and criminal record checks, help ensure the safety and best interest of the child clients.
Staff duties include developing and providing appropriate in-service training opportunities, maintaining a record-keeping case management system, assuring quality representation for children and developing positive community relations to promote commitment to the program while educating the public. Staff must have knowledge of child development, juvenile court, applicable laws and statutes, program development and evaluation techniques. They often serve on local interdisciplinary task forces and committees that impact the availability of services for GAL child clients. |
Attorneys
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GAL attorneys represent children's best interests in nearly 36,000 court hearings, including non-secure custody hearings, adjudicatory proceedings, dispositional proceedings, review hearings, and proceedings to terminate parental rights. In addition, they often participate in team meetings and any court ordered pre-trial conferences.
Although juvenile appeals are expedited, the number of appeals is rising. Attorneys from law firms across the state contribute pro bono time and expertise to handle more than 25% of all GAL appeals. The GAL Program trains, manages, and pays conflict attorneys. Until July 1, 2009, this oversight was the responsibility of the NC Office of Indigent Defense Services. |
Volunteer Advocates |
Volunteer advocates are screened, interviewed, and are fully trained by qualified professionals free of charge. At least six in-service trainings are offered each year to maintain the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for child-clients' best interest. The number of volunteer advocates has grown by 40% in just eight years, ans 12 million volunteer hours have been contributed since the program's inception. While GAL attorney advocates are appointed to every case, the program still needs more volunteers to ensure that staff can focus on their primary duties of supervision and recruitment, instead of performing the duties of a Guardian ad Litem volunteer advocate on a case. |