GALPBC (15th Judicial Circuit) - 561-355-6224
What is a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
A Guardian ad Litem is a trained, court-appointed volunteer who advocates objectively and solely for the best interests of children who are abused, abandoned, or neglected and who are involved in dependency court proceedings.
A Guardian ad Litem serves as the eyes, ears and arms of the justice system. They identify the best possible result for each child whose care is the responsibility of the state.
Qualifications to become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
- Be a minimum of 21 years old. A legal background is not required.
- Exhibit good communication skills and have basic computer skills.
- Consent to a background screening.
- Complete the required training for new Guardian ad Litem volunteers and continue with in-service trainings throughout the year.
- Receive a favorable review of qualifications from Guardian ad Litem Administration.
Duties of A Guardian ad Litem volunteer
Investigation
- Conduct an objective and systematic examination of the entire case. Review pertinent information on all parties to the case and all relevant information concerning the child.
- Interview family, friends, school staff and teachers, medical doctors, therapists, and anyone involved in the child's life to make sure the child's interests are being met. For example, are doctor appointments being made, is the child getting the tutoring needed, and should the child get involved in after-school programs.
- Visit the child at least once every 30 days. Help with homework, go to the movies or a park, go out to eat, or just stay in and talk. Listening is your most important job!
Facilitation
- Identify resources and services for the child and make recommendations to the child's case manager and to the Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager. You cannot do the referrals yourself.
- Facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties, and help to create a situation in which the child’s needs are met.
Advocacy
- Attend and participate in all necessary court hearings and related meetings in order to advocate for a permanent plan that will serve the child’s best interest and that will be in accordance with federal and state laws.
- Advocate in the community in order to determine whether appropriate services are being provided to the child and family.
- Following through with your tasks is very important.
Reporting
- Submit monthly child visitation and activity reports into the Optima system.
- Submit a signed report every six months with recommendations to the court.
- Maintain communication with your Child Advocacy Coordinator and provide updates for the case file records.
How to Become A Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
Phase 1. Contact Our Office
New Guardian ad Litem volunteers should review the information and instructions on this Volunteer page to see the Guardian ad Litem requirements.
To begin Phase 1, complete and submit the Volunteer Now form at the bottom of this Volunteer page. Once your form is received, a staff member will call you to set up a time for a telephone interview.
For further information, call the office in West Palm Beach at 561-355-6224.
Phase 2. Training
After successful completion of Phase 1, you will be given instructions on how to access our on-line training sessions. Satisfactory completion of all phases of this training is required.
Phase 3. Field Supervision
After successful completion of Phase 2, you will have a short field supervision with your Child Advocate Manager.
Volunteer faq
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem is a court appointed, trained volunteer who advocates for the best interest of an abused, abandoned or neglected child. Many of the children have been removed from their home and are with relatives, friends, or in foster care. Together with the support and guidance of Guardian ad Litem staff and Guardian ad Litem attorneys, Guardian ad Litem Volunteers strengthen the voice of the child and ensure they do not become lost in the system.
What does a Guardian ad Litem do?
- Visits the child a minimum of once a month and, most importantly, listens to the child.
- Gathers information about the case.
- Interviews those involved in the child’s life and case to ensure the child does not get overlooked in the system.
- Works with community partners to ensure the child is receiving the assistance and support they need.
- Makes recommendations to the court, based on the information gathered.
- In court, gives voice to the child's wishes and represents what is in the child’s best interest. The Guardian is the one constant in the child’s life during this litigious process and uncertain time.
What are the qualifications to become a Guardian ad Litem?
- If you have a desire to help children, are concerned for the well-being of children, and are willing to advocate for their best interests, Guardian ad Litem and the children need you.
- Guardian ad Litem Volunteers come from diverse educational, economic, ethnic and employment backgrounds.
- You must be 21 years of age and have a clear criminal background.
- No special education or experience is required.
- Free training is provided to receive Guardian ad Litem certification.
Is there training and who will assist me if I need help?
- As a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer, you will receive training and support from a team of full-time Guardian ad Litem professionals.
- The Guardian ad Litem certification course is a nationally recognized program and is designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence needed to quickly become a strong advocate.
- Following course completion, you will be assigned to a Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager (CAM) who will assist you with your case. Your Guardian ad Litem CAM will always be there for you when you have questions or concerns about your case. In addition to your Guardian ad Litem CAM, you will also have the support and expertise of Guardian ad Litem Attorneys.
- Continuing education classes are frequently offered on a variety of topics.
If I’m employed full-time, can I still be a Guardian ad Litem?
Yes, many Guardian ad Litem Volunteers have full-time commitments. Much of the Guardian ad Litem work can be done over the phone, after hours, and weekends. Generally, you will have advanced notice regarding court dates. The average monthly commitment for a case is 10-15 hours, approximately 2-3 hours per week. If you have concerns regarding your time commitment, feel free to discuss them with one of the Guardian ad Litem staff members.
What if I’m a ‘snow bird’?
We have many ‘snow bird’ volunteers. There is a support system within Guardian ad Litem to address these needs and provide advocacy and court representation in your absence.
What is the time commitment for a Guardian ad Litem volunteer?
- The initial training period to be certified as a Guardian ad Litem is 30 hours. Classes are offered monthly, usually over a two to three day period, as well as on-line.
- Only 12 hours of continuing education are required thereafter for annual recertification.
- Once you are assigned a case, the average time commitment is 10 to 15 hours a month. This includes information gathering, reviewing reports, visiting the child, and court appearance. Each case is different, so the time commitment can vary.
Will I be involved in court proceedings?
Absolutely. Your training will prepare you with the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively write reports and offer your recommendations to the Court. During your training you will observe court sessions where other Guardian ad Litem Volunteers are advocating on a child’s behalf. You will always have your Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager to help you with any cases or concerns and a Guardian ad Litem Attorney will always be with you in court.
What about my safety?
Your safety is always top priority. We will never ask you to go anywhere or do anything that might jeopardize your safety. As you would normally do, use good common sense and take reasonable precautions when making decisions. You will learn in training who to contact and who you can work with if you encounter a situation or location in which you feel uncomfortable.
May I take a child to a movie or other outing?
Volunteers may be approved to transport children on a case-by-case basis after a submission of a written statement of intent and approval by the Circuit Director and executive office staff.
Are there other ways I can volunteer to help children without taking a case?
Yes, there are many ways that you can help the Guardian ad Litem and in turn help children. To learn more about non-advocate opportunities in Guardian ad Litem, please call the Guardian ad Litem office at 561-355-6224 and ask about Speak Up for Kids. To get involved with Speak Up for Kids (a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization providing financial support to PBC Guardian ad Litem click here.
What if I have more questions?
Call our office at 561-355-6224.
