Volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem
Would you like to make a positive impact on a child's life by volunteering your time as a Guardian ad Litem? We are always looking for great volunteers to join our child advocacy team!
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma
- Must complete volunteer application and submit to criminal background check
- Must attend training session
- Must have some flexibility in daytime schedule to attend two to four court hearings
Volunteer Role & Duties
A Guardian ad Litem is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge/magistrate to investigate and determine the needs of a child involved with the juvenile court system. The GAL Volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for a safe home/placement for every child within the shortest time possible.
The GAL has a key role in juvenile court proceedings. Unlike the other participants, the GAL has no interest other than that of the child. The court, in contrast, must uphold the rights of the parents, the state, and the child. Social services agencies are bound by public policies and agency regulations which may be different or insensitive to the needs of individual children. Although other participants state their goals in terms of the child’s interests, the child’s GAL is unique in having only the interests of the child in mind. The GAL’s job is to ensure that the child is protected, to ensure that a stable home/placement is provided, and to ensure that a thorough family assessment is made. Finally, it is not the GAL’s job to make decisions about the child’s future, but to make recommendations to the court to enable the court to make the best possible decision.
Volunteer duties include but are not limited to:
Volunteer Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma
- Must complete volunteer application and submit to criminal background check
- Must attend training session
- Must have some flexibility in daytime schedule to attend two to four court hearings
Volunteer Role & Duties
A Guardian ad Litem is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge/magistrate to investigate and determine the needs of a child involved with the juvenile court system. The GAL Volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem advocates for a safe home/placement for every child within the shortest time possible.
The GAL has a key role in juvenile court proceedings. Unlike the other participants, the GAL has no interest other than that of the child. The court, in contrast, must uphold the rights of the parents, the state, and the child. Social services agencies are bound by public policies and agency regulations which may be different or insensitive to the needs of individual children. Although other participants state their goals in terms of the child’s interests, the child’s GAL is unique in having only the interests of the child in mind. The GAL’s job is to ensure that the child is protected, to ensure that a stable home/placement is provided, and to ensure that a thorough family assessment is made. Finally, it is not the GAL’s job to make decisions about the child’s future, but to make recommendations to the court to enable the court to make the best possible decision.
Volunteer duties include but are not limited to:
- Initial consultation with youth and parent(s)/guardian
- Visits the child and keeps the child informed about court proceedings
- Attends and participates in court hearings and other meetings to advocate a plan which serves the child’s best interests
- Testifies, if needed, to inform the court of changes in the child’s situation
- Communicates with the assigned probation officer, public defender, prosecutor, placement facilities and other community resources to help determine the appropriate placement for youth and services needed
- Gathers and assesses independent information about the child to recommend a resolution that is in the child’s best interest
- Provides a written fact-based, child-focused summary report of GAL interview(s) findings and recommendations
- Keeps all records and information confidential
- Consults with local program staff for support and guidance
Volunteer Indianapolis - MCJC Volunteer GAL Program in Indianapolis, Indiana