Could You Be the Voice for a Child?
Guardian ad Litems (sometimes known in other states as CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates) are trained volunteers who enjoy the personal satisfaction of making sure a child is not forgotten and has a voice in court. In the past year, Madison County has experienced an explosion in the number of children who have been removed from their homes and placed into foster families and residential group homes. Currently there are 74 children in this county who do not have a GAL to advocate for their best interests in the courtroom. Let that number sink in. 74 children.
Volunteer advocates complete the online application at www.volunteerforgal.org and are screened, interviewed, and receive 30 hours of initial training. The training is done over 10 weeks in 3 hour classes. They are then sworn in as a GAL by a judge. At least six hours of in-service training are offered each year to maintain the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for child-clients’ best interests. GALs are adults who come from diverse communities, cultures, and life and work experiences. On average, advocates donate eight hours a month to perform their statutorily mandated duties. They visit child-clients, conduct interviews, read reports, monitor court orders, collaborate with service providers, formulate fact-based court reports with recommendations, and testify in court hearings. Individual GALs determine the number of cases or clients they wish to serve. Most GALs chose to work with one or two children. The ages of the children range from birth till their 18th birthday. GALs can choose the age group they wish to work with as well. Every child that’s born has the right to have a chance to be happy in childhood. Every child has the right to have a chance to be successful in life. That’s what it means to be a GAL. You get to be able to speak up and fight for that right for children. Remember the number I mentioned before? 74. There are 74 children right here in our backyard that need someone to stand in their corner. Could it be you? Won’t you be the voice for a child?
For more information or to speak to any group interested in learning more contact:
Dr. Lynn Presnell, GAL recruiter for Judicial District 24 (Watauga, Avery, Yancey, Mitchell, and Madison counties) 828-278-0231
lcpresnell@gmail.com