A: A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained volunteer who is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child. The GAL serves as an important voice for the child in court.

Who can be a Guardian ad Litem?

A: Anyone. Guardian ad Litem volunteers come from all walks of life and have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. No special education or experience is required.

How will I know what to do?

A: Guardian ad Litem offices use a nationally recognized training program. You will learn all about your role in the court system so that you can be confident when you take your first case.

I work full time. Can I still be a Guardian ad Litem?

A: Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs. Much of the work can be done on the weekend, in the evening, or on the telephone. You will need your employer’s permission to take off work when you have a court date (every three to six months, depending on the case.)

What is the time commitment for a Guardian ad Litem?

A: After the initial training, you will usually spend about 6-8 hours a month working on your case until the child is placed in a permanent situation. The length of time varies from case to case.

How many cases will I be expected to take?

A: We have no set minimum number of cases for volunteers. Each GAL accepts only as many cases as he/she has time to handle.

How is the Guardian ad Litem different from a social worker?

A: The social worker represents the Department of Social Services (DSS), which has legal custody of the child or children involved, and is charged with finding a permanent caregiver for the child. The social worker usually oversees several cases at a time. A GAL doesn’t have nearly as many cases and is able to devote more time to each case. The social worker has to provide the child with many services, while the GAL only advocates for the child’s needs in court.

I worry that the parents will be uncooperative.

A: It comes as a surprise to many people that the parents are usually more than glad to tell their version of the events that have caused this case to come before the court. As a GAL, you are just asking questions and listening at the outset, and most parents do not find this threatening. We will never ask you to do anything that makes you feel unsafe. You can arrange to have visits in a public place like a restaurant or at DSS, and you can always take another GAL volunteer with you.

May I take the child home with me or on special outings?

A: No. You also must not give significant gifts to the child. You are not a parent or caregiver. Your role is to investigate and observe in order to be a well-informed advocate. That in itself is an important gift to the child, and it requires good judgment and objectivity.

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What is a Guardian ad Litem?