C

Guardian Ad Litem
By: Briana McBryde and Breanna Davis
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liJK9kQQfB8
Mission Statement
The mission of the N.C. Guardian ad Litem program is to
provide trained, independent advocates to represent and
promote the best interests of abused, neglected and
dependent children in the state court system and to work
expediently toward a plan that ensures that these children are
in a safe, permanent home.
About GAL
North Carolina Guardian ad Litem advocacy helps to
move children out of the court system in a timely manner
and into a safe and permanent home. GAL is mandated
by statute to protect and promote the best interest of
juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings.
Independent investigations are conducted by GAL to
determine the facts, needs of the child and the
resources appropriate to meet those needs. Guardian
ad Litems also determines the wishes or expressed
preferences of the child, and reports those to the court.

Core Values
A sincere concern for the well-being of children
A commitment to advocate for a child until a safe and
permanent home is established and court involvement is no
longer required
The ability to be objective and non-judgmental
The ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse
economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds
Good verbal and written communication skills
Confidentiality is key.

History
In 1983, the NC Guardian ad Litem Program was established by
law, based on the success of pilot programs in New Hanover and
Pender Counties. By 1992 the program had expanded to include
all 39 judicial districts in North Carolina and all 100 counties.
Today, the program is overseen by the Administrative Office of
the Courts and is funded through the state budget. To achieve its
mission, the NC GAL program recruits, screens, trains, and
supervises volunteer advocates. In Fiscal Year 2013, 4,824
volunteers advocated for 15,251 children across the state.
Volunteers donated over 450,000 hours of service, saving the
state over $10 million.
Need & Future Direction
The biggest need for GAL is VOLUNTEERS!
In 2011-2012 North Carolina had 5,115 volunteers and 75 attorney advocates
participate in 74,213 court hearings and represent 15,140 abused, neglected, and
dependent children.
As for the future direction of GAL unfortunately, the data suggests that we will
continue to have an increase in the number of children we advocate for. The problem
with abuse and neglect has become a generational issue. The need for volunteer
advocates will be more important than ever before. While this seems dim, I still believe
that we can make a difference one voice at a time (A. Cox, personal
communication, September 13, 2014).
Works Cited
http://www.nccourts.org/Citizens/GAL/
http://www.cfgala.org/GAL
https://www.cknworphansfund.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/106456110.jpg