Be able to pass a criminal background check
18 years old or older
A sincere concern for the well being of children
Completed application
Have the ability to relate respectfully to children, families, service providers and the Court
You must be objective and non judgmental

You Can Make A Difference

The Application and Process:

The "soon to be volunteer" must complete a North Carolina GAL application which contains their name, address, current employment information, educational background, reasons for wanting to become a volunteer, criminal history, personal experiences with the court; personal experience with child protective services, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references who are not relatives.
The applicant must provide the program with three positive written references (the program will contact the references provided), one of which will be contacted by phone.
They will then participate in a personal screening interview with a District staff member responsible for supervising volunteers.
Their criminal record is then checked by the program. (if the prospective volunteer has not been a resident of North Carolina for at least five years, a finger print check is preformed)

Once you go through 25-30 hrs of free training, you are then sworn in by a District Court Judge. After this you are given your first case.