Volunteer Child Advocate Responsibilities
INVESTIGATE
Carries out an objective, systematic examination of the situation, including relevant history, environment, relationships, and needs of the child. The Guardian Ad Litem gathers information from anyone involved in the child’s life, including family, friends, medical personnel and school staff.
FACILITATE
Identifies resources and services for the child and facilitates a collaborative relationship between all parties involved in the case, helping to create a situation in which the child’s needs are met.
MONITOR
Keeps track of whether the orders of the court and the designated case plans are carried out.
REPORT
Reports findings and recommendations regarding the best interest of the child to the court.
A child with a Volunteer Child Advocate is more likely to:
- Find a safe, permanent home
- Receive more needed services
- Spend less time in foster care
- Perform better in school
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to the "Get In Touch" tab for phone, email and office location information. You can also submit a message by filling out our inquiry section.
Volunteers must be at least twenty-one (21) years old.
No. Our volunteers are a diverse group with different educational backgrounds and life experiences. You will receive specialized training that will prepare you to become a certified Volunteer Child Advocate.
The children we serve range in age from newborn to 18 years old.
Yes. You may choose your case by reviewing a selection of children who are in need of a Volunteer Child Advocate.
Volunteer Child Advocates must successfully complete 30 hours of pre-service certification training and 12 hours of re-certification training annually. On average, volunteers work on their cases 10 hours per month. Depending on the case circumstances and progress, this number could be more or less. Volunteers visit their child monthly, report observations and attend court hearings.
You are not alone! Every case has an assigned advocacy team that consists of a Volunteer Child Advocate, Child Advocate Manager, and Best Interest Attorney. Working together, you share communications regarding the case. After you’ve completed your pre-service training, you will be assigned to a Child Advocate Manager. He or she will mentor and advise you on your case as needed. The Best Interest Attorney will be available to consult when necessary, and handle all of the legal aspects of your case.
Another Great Way to Advocate
The Guardian Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that directly supports the Guardian ad Litem Program 8th Judicial Circuit. Resources are provided to help normalize the lives of abused, neglected and abandoned children within our communities. Recruitment efforts, training assistance, volunteer recognition, and staff appreciation are additionally provided to ensure that the Guardian ad Litem Program is successful.
Visit Website