The GaL program seeks to serve the best interest of thousands of children who find themselves the subjects of court cases, through no fault of their own, due to scenarios of abuse or neglect. The program assigns each impacted child a GaL volunteer. The role of the volunteer is to represent the voice of the child, by advocating for them in court.

GaL volunteers exist in every county throughout the state of NC, with more than 15,000 children served each year. They typically spend about 8-10 hours per month on GaL volunteer activities.

To become a GaL, you would participate in approximately 30 hours of classroom training with the GaL office. Training also includes some minimal time spent observing court proceedings. Once training is complete you will receive your first case, then start to understand the child's needs.

GaL volunteers are appointed by the court and will have access to all the information necessary to meet objectives for each assigned child, which is to determine and ensure the best interests of the child are being served.

A few times a year you will create a report, to inform the court on what is happening in the child's life. Don't worry, you will receive plenty of guidance when you need it to prepare the report!

For more info visit the North Carolina GAL website at www.nccourts.gov/programs/guardian-ad-litem. Alternatively, you may call the district 22A GaL office at 704-832-6621.