ABUSED & NEGLECTED CHILDREN NEED YOU!

Guardian ad Litem Volunteers

The main responsibility of a GAL volunteer is to serve as a friend of the court, acting on behalf of children in protective state custody, with the ultimate goal being the reduction in the time that these children await permanent placement. With a GAL fighting for the best possible outcomes, the children are 80% more likely to be placed in a safe, secure, and loving permanent home. 

When assigned a case, the GAL advocate is tasked with providing a thorough investigation to determine what is best for the child(ren), and this is completed by interviewing the child, parents and other family members, social workers, therapists, doctors, and educators. It is important that the GAL has a complete understanding of the situation to make the appropriate recommendations to the court. 

Aside from the investigation aspect of the role, GALs are also responsible for responding to the general health and wellbeing of the child by connecting them with proper wrap around services, as needed, in addition to being a stable, trusting adult during a very traumatic and stressful time in their young life. 

Youth Sponsor Volunteers

Every year, thousands of children age out of foster care, leaving them homeless and without the necessary supports to live a successful and fulfilling life. For those teens inching towards their 18th birthday, adoption is no longer a viable option, and they are left to just “figure it out” once they age out, but these teens are put in this situation through no fault of their own and deserve to be given the chance to navigate the path towards adulthood like all their peers. Research indicates that at-risk youth benefit from close, caring relationships with trusting adults who serve as positive role models. 

Our Youth Sponsor program is designed to match volunteers with teens who at risk and may be involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice system and could benefit from having a one-on-one relationship with a consistent and trusting adult who is committed to their wellbeing. As a Youth Sponsor, you will assist your teen with setting and achieving goals, in addition to instilling the importance of education. Youth Sponsors promote learning basic life skills, including financial literacy and independence. Volunteers also assist with ensuring all the teens’ needs are met and connections are being made to community resources that are a benefit to them and their future.