The mission of the 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 (foster care) and work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home.

In 2011, over 313 trained volunteers participated in Mecklenburg County’s Guardian ad Litem program. Our attorney advocates and GAL volunteers provided representation for 983 children at 4,188 family court hearings. We continue to need more  Guardian ad Litem volunteers to meet the needs of these children.

 

 

 

 All abused and neglected children petitioned into the North Carolina court system receive excellent legal representation and effective advocacy which promote and protect their best interests through written, fact-based independent recommendations submitted to the court by concerned citizens known as Guardians ad Litem (GAL).  Under the guidance of professional staff, these GAL volunteers’ recommendations enhance Judge’s decision-making to ensure that each child has needed services and a safe, permanent home in the shortest time possible.

 

 

 

 

Guardian ad Litem is latin for “guardian for the proceeding.”  A Guardian ad Litem in North Carolina is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children.  The Guardian ad Litem Volunteer does not need to be an attorney or psychologist to help a child. We simply ask that you have a caring and committed concern for the welfare of a child. We will train how to do your work and guide as you as advocate for your child(ren). 

   

 

 

• The GAL program advocates for abused and neglected children throughout Mecklenburg County.

• Currently there are nearly 600 children receiving service from the GAL program. 

• About 220 community volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in Mecklenburg County each month.

• About 50% of our children are boys however only 10% of our volunteers are male.

• An average of 15 abuse and neglect cases open each month.

• There are still abused and neglected children in Mecklenburg county waiting for a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer to be assigned to them.

 

 

   

  

  CLICK FOR AN APPLICATION! 

Submit application to:

Guardian ad Litem

700 E. 4th St., Suite 300

Charlotte, NC 28202

Attn: Recruiter

or

Fax: 704.686.0076

Attn: Recruiter

Winter 2012 Newsletter

Guardian ad Litem has joined the Social Revolution—Facebook

Look us up, become a fan, stay alert of upcoming GAL events, view pictures of recent Volunteer Swearing-In Ceremonies and let your friends and family know you are a GAL Volunteer or supporter.

Type “Mecklenburg Guardian ad Litem” in your Facebook search bar to view our page and become a fan!

Go to Groups and type “ Guardian ad Litem of Mecklenburg County” in the Keywords search field to join our page!