I'd like to meet:
The
Guardian ad Litem
VOLUNTEER
Job Description
A Guardian ad Litem in North Carolina is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children. The Guardian ad Litem Volunteer makes recommendations to the court about services which focus on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem volunteer advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child within the shortest time possible.
Activities
Visits the child
Ensures that the child's whishes are known to the court
Interviews the parents, guardians, or caretakers
Interviews the social workers and other service providers and reviews records related to the family
Gathers and assesses independent information about the child sufficient to recommend a resolution that's in the child's best interests
Seeks cooperative solutions with other participants in the child's case
repares written reports for court hearings and other related hearings
Attends and participates in court hearings and other related hearings
Testifies, if needed, to inform the court of changes in the child's situation
Keeps all records and information confidential
Monitors provisions of service plans and court orders
Explains the role of the Guardian Ad Litem to every child who is old enough to understand
Keeps the child informed of all aspects of the court proceedings
Consults with local program staff for support and guidance
Qualifications
The main qualification is a sincere concern for the well-being of children. The volunteer must be a mature adult of sound character with good verbal and written communication skills. The Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer must be able to interact and talk with people of various educational and ethnic backgrounds. As essential chracteristic is the ability tobe objective and nonjudgmental.
Requirements
The process of becoming a Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer requires a written application, three personal/professional refernces, and a criminal record check. A personal interview will be conducted by a staff member. The volunteer must complete about 30 hours of required training, which will include court observation. The fully trained and screened volunteer will be sworn in by a district court judge before assignment of his or her first case. A Guardian Ad Litem is appointed for the life of a case, with most cases reaching their conclusion in less than two years.
Guardian ad Litem
720 East Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-347-4161
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