A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocate is a trained community volunteer appointed by a district court judge, alongside a GAL Attorney Advocate, to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children who have entered the court system through a petition by the Department of Social Services. Their role is to investigate the child’s circumstances and advocate for their needs throughout the legal process. The GAL volunteer’s primary responsibilities include:
- Keeping all information confidential
- Investigating the circumstances and available resources surrounding the child to meet the child’s needs
- Visiting the child regularly and gathering information about them through consistent contact
- Collaborating with other participants in the case
- Recommending what’s best for child by writing court reports and testimony
- Monitoring the case
- Keeping all information confidential
To apply to become a GAL in North Carolina, visit the NC Courts GAL website.
