Our Children Need a Voice in Court
A Guardian Ad Litem is a trained volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent and speak for the best interests of a child involved in court proceedings.
Many of them are the most vulnerable children - victims of abuse, neglect, substance use by their families; domestic violence – the list is a long one. Their Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer is often the most consistent adult in their lives.
While caseworkers may come and go; and families struggle with their problems, the GAL is there for the child, to make sure they are being seen, heard, spoken for, and guided towards a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.
More to Know
Who Typically Serves
Brown County Guardian Ad Litem volunteers come from all walks of life. You don’t have to be a lawyer or a social worker.
We are parents, grandparents, younger, older, working or retired – all busy people bound together by a love of children and a willingness to devote 6 to 8 hours a month to ensure that the best interests of some of our most vulnerable citizens are protected and spoken for in court.
How a GAL Works
A GAL will carefully research their case, getting to know the child well and speaking to all the parties involved: parents, members of the family, teachers, counselors, etc. They will report their findings to the judge, to help the court make the best decisions for the child's future.
A GAL helps to ensure that their child is getting the services they need and that they are on track to be placed in a safe, permanent home, as quickly as possible.
What is Required
You will need:
- to be at least 21 years of age.
- to undergo 35 hours of training.
- to submit to a criminal background check.
- to possess a valid driver's license and access to reliable means of transportation
- to be available for occasional daytime court hearings or case meetings.
Volunteer Job Description
A Brown County Guardian ad Litem volunteer (a GAL) is a private citizen who is trained by the Guardian ad Litem Program to advocate for children in the Court system. The volunteer is the heart of our work— a valued individual dedicated to making a difference for abused and neglected children throughout our community.
Primary Function
A GAL volunteer is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Circuit Court Judge to speak for the best interests of a child in a judicial proceeding. A GAL volunteer is an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers.
Key Responsibilities
Complete an extensive, independent review of each case.
Meet with the child at least once every thirty (30) days:
- Speak with the child and relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case)
- Review appropriate records and reports
- Observe the child and significant others
Present findings to the court by submitting formal reports to the judge at scheduled hearings:
- Provide a written report containing assessments and recommendations to the GAL Director prior to every hearing
- Attend all court hearings to see that the child’s best interests are represented.
- Attend all court hearings to see that relevant facts are presented
- Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
- Participate in case conferences concerning the child
- Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child
- Ensure that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family
Consult regularly with the Program Director concerning the assigned case:
- Develop a case plan
- Review progress and reports
Training/Support Plan
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Volunteers are required to attend approximately 35 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually.
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Volunteers follow guidelines established by the National GAL/CASA Organization.
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Volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
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Volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
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Volunteers are encouraged to call the program office or volunteer mentor at any time with questions/concerns.
Time Commitment
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Volunteers are required to make a one-year, two-case commitment to the program.
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Volunteers are required to attend all court hearings on their cases. The program office shall be notified as soon as possible if circumstances prevent the volunteer from attending.
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Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training unless other arrangements have been made.
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Volunteers, on average, spend 6-8 hours a month on each case and must have time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of the assignment.
Knowledge and Skill
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Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
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Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
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Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds
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Ability to transport self
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Ability to maintain objectivity
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A basic understanding of child development and family relationships
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Good common sense
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Must be 21 years of age or older
Benefits
The benefits of being a GAL volunteer include the opportunity to:
- Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect
- Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home
- Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs
- Gain an understanding of district and family courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies
- Develop/utilize communication skills
- Utilize your past experience/skills
- Form friendships with like-minded people in your community
- Have access to training statewide
Let's Have a Conversation
If you believe being a volunteer is a good fit or if you simply have questions about Brown County Guardian ad Litem, let's set up a call with our director.