Guardian ad Litem
Get Involved
How Can I Help?
Making a difference in the lives of people, especially abused and neglected children.
What is a GAL?
A trained community volunteer paired with an attorney to advocate for the best interests of children in the community.
Volunteer as a GAL
Guardian ad Litem provides a unique volunteer opportunity for people with a sincere concern for the well-being of children.
Volunteer as an Attorney Advocate
GAL pro bono attorneys are vital appellate advocates for children.
How Does the Community Benefit?
Communities have a stake in deciding what the standard of protection and care is for children.
GAL Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Guardian ad Litem (GAL) .
Local Guardian ad Litem Programs
Find for your local program by county or district.
About
The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program equips community volunteers to serve abused and neglected children by advocating for their best interests in court.
In 1983, the North Carolina General Assembly established the Office of Guardian ad Litem Services as a division of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. Pursuant to G.S. 7B-601, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer GAL advocate and an attorney advocate to provide team representation to the child, who has full party status in trial and appellate proceedings. All GAL advocates are trained, supervised, and supported by program staff in each county of the state. The collaborative model of GAL attorney advocates, volunteers, and staff ensures that all North Carolina children who are alleged by the Department of Social Services to have been abused or neglected receive GAL legal advocacy services.
Latest News
Chief Justice Paul Newby Proclaims April 2024 as Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Month in North Carolina
For the Public Good: N.C. Guardian ad Litem Pro Bono Appellate Attorneys Recognized
All Things Judicial Highlights Guardian ad Litem Attorney Advocates
Contact Us
Telephone(919) 890-1250
(800) 982-4041
Email[email protected]
Mailing AddressGuardian ad Litem
North Carolina Judicial Center
PO Box 2448
Raleigh, NC 27602