What does a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (VGAL) do?

Volunteer Guardian ad Litems are assigned to a case when it enters the juvenile court system. The Volunteer GAL’s role includes conducting an independent investigation, making reports and recommendations to the court at scheduled hearings, monitoring the progress of the child and the parties’ compliance with court orders, and continually advocating for the best interests of the child. Ideally, the assigned Volunteer GAL will follow the case from the beginning to the end and will continually visit and monitor the progress of the child and report on these observations to the court.

Volunteer GALs are crucial to meeting the goals of the court in providing for the best interest, safety, and well-being of the child. Volunteer GALs are able to assist the court in reaching the goal of swift and appropriate permanency planning to establish stability for dependent children.

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1. What is a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (VGAL)?
2. What does a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (VGAL) do?
3. How do you become a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (VGAL)?
4. What is the time commitment?