What is the Guardian Ad Litem Program?
•  The guardian ad litem program recruits, trains, supports and supervises volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who are alleged to be abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings.  Best interest includes:  preservation of the child's physical safety and emotional well-being; permanent placement in a nurturing home environment that will foster the child's healthy growth and development; and protection from further harm by virtue of the child's involvement in the legal or child welfare system.  A volunteer guardian ad litem (GAL) certified by the State of Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program represents the best interest of a child in cases where there is a dependency or termination of parental rights proceeding, the judge finds probable cause to believe there is abuse or neglect of a child, or in criminal court where the child is a victim or witness of child abuse, child neglect or a victim of a sexual offense or a witness to a sexual offense committed against another minor.

What does a GAL do?
•  The GAL Program is appointed by the court for the limited purpose of representing the best interest of children in the proceedings that gave rise to the appointment.  The activities performed in a particular case will vary based on the type of case. The GAL volunteer may have the following roles:
-  Information Gatherer.  The GAL collects all relevant facts about the child's current situation through personal interview, observing the child's interactions with others and a review of all records and documents.
-  Reporter.  The GAL may report to the court in person and may file a written report with the court which summarizes the information the GAL has gathered.  The report may include the GAL's recommendation regarding the child and may advise the court of the child's wishes.
-  Monitor/Intercessor.  The GAL assures that court orders to protect and benefit the child are carried out and that the families and the child receive the assistance and intervention that have been mandated. The GAL monitors the appropriateness of the child's placement and the family's progress.   The GAL takes appropriate measures to protect the child from harm that may occur as a result of litigation and strives to expedite the proceedings.
-  Spokesperson/Special Advocate.  The GAL is a part of the case and serves as a spokesperson for the best interest of the child by making recommendations about how the judicial and child welfare systems can assure that the child's best interests will be met.

GAL volunteers DO NOT:
•  Provide direct services
•  Transport children
•  Allow the child to come to their home
•  Disclose information or documents except to the court and parties
•  Contact the judge outside the presence of the other parties
•  Act as a caretaker, custodian, counselor, mediator or visitation supervisor

GAL volunteers DO:
•  Visit the child on a regular basis (usually once a month)
•  Attend court and submit written reports
•  Attend meetings and staffings regarding the child and/or family
•  Advocate for the child's best interest

Qualifications of a certified GAL:
•   A GAL does not have to be a lawyer, counselor, therapist or parent since the GAL does not perform these roles for the child.  Volunteers must complete in-depth training and must attend six hours of continuing education a year.  GAL Programs conduct a security background investigation before certifying a volunteer.  A volunteer must provide two written referenced and pass a Florida Department of Law Enforcement background investigation.  The program has the sole discretion in determining whether to certify a person based on the background investigation.

Program Oversight.
• Volunteers are trained, supervised and assisted by staff of the local GAL Program.   Volunteers are bound by a Code of Conduct and are answerable to the program.  Parties who have questions about the case related activities of a volunteer should address those concerns before the judge hearing the case.  Individuals with concerns regarding GAL Program operations, management, or administration should contact the local GAL Program Director, Maureen L. McGill, at (850)595-3726. 

For more volunteer information please visit The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association www.nationalcasa.org