Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Be the Voice for a Child in Need – Be their Volunteer


Could you step in and speak up for a child in your community?  If so, you could become a volunteer for the Guardian ad Litem Program!  Volunteers are needed to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and are placed in the Department of Social Services custody by a Cumberland County Judge.  This year in Cumberland County, an increasing number of children will need a volunteer to serve as their voice while they are in custody.  The number of cases has grown tremendously in recent years and more volunteers are urgently needed.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers are instrumental in helping children secure a safe, nurturing, and permanent home for the remainder of their childhood.  Volunteers are appointed by the juvenile court and paired with an attorney to serve in the best interest of the child they are assigned.  Volunteers also make recommendations to the Judge regarding the placement and services for the child to ensure all needs are being met.

To become a volunteer, individuals must submit an application, pass a criminal background check and complete 30 hours of free training, including 4 hours of court observation.  After completing the required training, volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court and assigned their first case.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help a child in your community, please contact our Guardian ad Litem office at 910-678-2921 or by email.  Application and further information can be found by visiting us on the web at CumberlandCountyGAL.com.

The Guardian ad Litem Program is a nationwide program affiliated with the National CASA Association.  If you would like information for programs in other counties of North Carolina, please visit NCGAL.org.