Who We Are
We are a team of three Attorney Advocates, two Program Supervisors, one District Administrator and approximately 70 trained community volunteers. We are all committed to children and their issues. Our program supplies quality legal representation for abused and neglected children who have been petitioned into court through no fault of their own. Successful volunteers are mature, stable community residents who apply good judgment, objectivity, common sense and community perspectives to assist juvenile court judges in making sound legal decisions affecting children’s lives. Volunteers need no particular educational or prior training, just a sincere desire to champion our children’s best interests. Our umbrella organization is National CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates.
District 20 A/B Guardian ad Litem Program Serves Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union Counties.
Guardian ad Litem Qualifications
- Sincere concern for the welfare of children.
- Continuing commitment to advocate for a child until a safe and permanent home is obtained.
- Mature adult of sound character with good verbal and written communication skills.
- Objective, nonjudgmental and able to interact with people of various educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Able to commit to at least four to six hours each month to work on a child’s case.
Becoming a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem
- Complete and submit a volunteer application.
- Provide three personal and/or professional references.
- Undergo a criminal record check.
- Complete a personal interview with a GAL staff member.
- Complete 30 hours of required volunteer training, including court observation.
- Take an oath of service before a district court judge.