Supporting the interests of the abused, neglected, & abandoned children of Palm Beach County.

Make a Donation!

GAL FAQ

How old must I be to become a Guardian ad Litem?
You must be 19 years old, free of criminal record, and have your own transportation.

Do I have the qualifications needed to advocate for a child?
The first qualification to become a Guardian is concern. Concern for the wellbeing of children who have no way to help themselves. Concern for children who have no way of thanking you for your work. Objectivity, the ability to be nonjudgmental and the capability of interacting with people of diverse socio-economic, educational and ethnic backgrounds are key. Combine these traits with the excellent training and support you will receive from the Guardian program and you will amply qualified for this vital volunteer position.

Do I need to be an attorney to be a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem?
No.

Do I have someone to ask for help?
Always. You are assigned a Case Manager who will answer your questions and concerns. The GAL program will mentor you in all aspects of your case. A GAL attorney will always be with you in the courtroom and will help you prepare for your appearance before the judge. You are never alone.

How much time must I commit as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem first completes 30 hours of free Certification Training and then annually 6 hours of Recertification Training. You may spend as little as four hours a month to a maximum of 15 hours a month, depending on the complexity of your case and your availability. Your two firm commitments will be to visit your assigned child(ren) and to attend court proceedings.

The Guardian ad Litem staff makes every effort to match case assignments with the time constraints of each volunteer.