Volunteers Needed For Guardian ad Litem Program

Guardians work for, and become the judge’s “eyes and ears” in these cases.

Tuesday February 9th, 2010

 

 

 

Guardian ad Litem volunteers believe it is very important for the community to understand and know about the GAL Program. It is about awareness. It is unfortunate that there is a need for the Guardian ad Litem Program or any other program involved in child safety. Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect are a part of our community and must be dealt with.


Each year there are reports turned in to the abuse hotline of Washington, Holmes and Jackson counties.  Nearly 50 percent of those reports investigated have findings of abuse or neglect.


A Guardian ad Litem is a trained volunteer charged with representing the best interests of abused, neglected, or abandoned children in their community. Guardians work for, and become the judge’s “eyes and ears” in these cases.


A Guardian ad Litem’s duties include looking into the circumstances of the case by getting to know the child and interviewing people involved, consult with all medical, social, and law enforcement workers involved in the case, protect the child from any insensitive treatment during the court process, make reports to the court containing recommendations for placement and other information, and become someone the child can depend on and learn to trust.


If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in a child’s life, now is the time. A child is waiting and you have the power to help. Please consider becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer and bring hope back into a child’s life. Guardian ad Litem volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.


The question asked the most about the Guardian ad Litem Program is “How much time will it take?” It all depends on how much time a volunteer is able and willing to give.


You can help a child that has been a victim of child abuse by becoming a Guardian ad Litem.


Training for the Guardian ad Litem Program begins soon. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem please call Guardian ad Litem staffers at (850) 638- 6043. The Guardian ad Litem office is located at 1352 South Boulevard in Chipley, Florida.