At this time of year, we ask ourselves “What can I do for someone else?” Have you ever thought about the gift of your time? Did you know that there are children in the court system through no fault of their own? These are youth that have been alleged by the Department of Social Services to have been abused or neglected.
In order to help these children move through the court system toward safe, permanent homes, the Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL) trains individual citizens to investigate and determine the needs of these youth. The GAL volunteer is provided support and supervision as they work to advocate for the child’s best interest in court alongside an attorney.
Maybe you’d like to ensure a child has a voice in court and help pave a child’s future of hope. Are you that person?
District 11 serves Harnett, Johnston, and Lee Counties. Currently there are 359 children in the District 11 GAL program and 114 children that are in need of individual to help them through this difficult time in their life. They need a voice to speak up for them.
Recently several individuals agreed to give the gift of themselves and on December 2, 2015, the Guardian ad Litem Program had a swearing-in for two volunteer child advocates in Johnston County. The volunteers completed the required advocate training and the Honorable District Court Judge Paul Holcombe administered the GAL Volunteer Oath. Pictured from left to right: Judge Paul Holcombe, Carolyn Humphrey and Aimee Williams both from Clayton and Marie Mobley, Attorney Advocate for Johnston and Harnett Counties.
During this holiday season, we want to thank our current Guardian ad Litem Volunteers for all they do for the children of District 11. These volunteers share the true spirit of the season throughout the year! Thank you!
If you think this is something you’d like to do, please contact the Guardian ad Litem program at 910-814-4690 or 919-934-3348. For more information about the program go to www.volunteerforgal.org. Contributed story and photo.
