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.
Investigation
Facilitation
Advocacy
Reporting
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.
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.
After successful completion of Phase 2, you will have a short field supervision with your Child Advocate Manager.
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?
What are the qualifications to become a Guardian ad Litem?
Is there training and who will assist me if I need help?
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?
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.
Join us today and start making a difference in the life of a child!
Please complete this Volunteer Now form and let us know how you would like to get involved. Once we receive your Volunteer Now form, a staff member from the Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem office (15th Judicial Circuit) will contact you.
205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, United States
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |