Guardian ad Litem

Guardians ad Litem (GALs) provide support and crucial input to the legal team and volunteers in order to allow for effective advocacy for a child’s best interests. GALs must be able to work both collaboratively and independently. Internal collaboration consists of working with staff attorneys, supervising attorneys, volunteers, paralegals, and other staff and social workers. GALs must also be able to work independently, managing their own responsibilities with respect to their cases.

GALs are expected to remain current on emerging research, best practices, and new information in the areas of family law, juvenile law, child advocacy, child development, abuse and neglect, trauma, and other related areas. In the course of their advocacy for a child’s best interests, GALs must possess initiative in seeking out creative and sound solutions to any issues affecting a child’s best interests. GALs must have a strong commitment to ethical practices. They must have strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and evince a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice.

• Communicate with the child and the volunteer as well other parties and/or collateral sources on cases.
• Keep the attorneys regularly informed of case progress, developments, and other key matters.
• Help inform and shape best interest recommendations.
• Attend out of court meetings, such as Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs).
• Attend hearings as needed and make recommendations on behalf of children to the court.
• Connect children with needed resources; assist in referral and intake processes where appropriate.
• Maintain ongoing awareness of available services and resources.
• Supervise a team of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers.
• Participate in training of attorneys, volunteers, and other staff as needed.
• Help craft trauma-informed practices for all aspects of GAL/CASA advocacy and practices.