	“I am constantly amazed at how much you know about your children. In court, I see the faces of the parents, learn about their problems, and hear what they want. But I only get to see the children in your eyes and through your opinions. Their voice is only heard in your words.” --- Honorable Judge Monica Bousman “My Guardian ad Litem experiences have re-enforced that children are Capable of great things if adults will just give them the chance to develop and grow.” Greg Howes, Child Advocate

The Wake County Guardian ad Litem Program recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Guardians ad Litem advocates who serve as court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children who come to the attention of the Wake County juvenile court system.

Abuse and neglect cases often result in children being placed in foster care. Judges depend on testimony and reports from interested parties to inform their decisions about how to protect each child from further harm and meet their needs.

The Guardian ad Litem makes sure that the child is not forgotten by serving as the child's voice in court and advocating on behalf of the child for a safe, permanent home and for services the child might need. Volunteers who serve as Guardians ad Litem are a diverse group of people from various educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Visits the child and keeps the child informed about the court proceedings.
Communicates with the Attorney Advocate to develop legal strategies to further the best interests of the child.
Gathers and assesses independent information on a consistent basis about the child to recommend a resolution that is in the child’s best interest.
Interviews the parents, guardians, caretakers, social workers, and other service providers, and reads records related to the case.
Seeks cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case.
Writes fact-based, child-focused reports for court hearings.
Attends and participates in court hearings and other related meetings to advocate for a permanent plan thatserves the child’s best interest.
Testifies, if needed, to inform the court of the child’s situation.
Ensures that the court knows the child’s wishes.
Keeps all records and information confidential.
Monitors all court-ordered services and keeps the court informed about the needs of the child.
Consults with local program staff for support and guidance.

To find out how to become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Child Advocate in Wake County, please visit http://volunteerforgal.org

Visit our About Us page to learn more about how your service as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem can make a difference in the life a child.

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