Guardian ad Litem Volunteers give abused and neglected children a voice.
The Cabarrus County Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program supports our community’s most vulnerable children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met in the judicial system. This incredible initiative is all about supporting the kids in our community who really need us – the ones facing tough times because of abuse or neglect.
Guardian Keepers of Children, established in March 2022, aims to support Cabarrus and Rowan Counties by empowering Guardian Ad Litem volunteers. They envision every neglected and abused child in these counties having a voice and support through their efforts. Their mission involves training, recruiting, and retaining volunteers who advocate for and assist these vulnerable children.
What Volunteers Are Saying
As a Guardian ad Litem, I am making a difference in the child’s life who has been neglected and/or abused and is in the foster care system in Cabarrus County at no fault of their own. The volunteer time commitment is minimal compared to the reward of being a voice for them and a constant advocate. We started a nonprofit, 501c3, Guardian Keepers of Children of Cabarrus and Rowan INC., to help raise awareness and support the need for more GALs! The numbers tell the story. We have more foster children in need of GALs than we have GALS in Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
I have been a GAL for infants until they age out of the foster care system at 18. When I started volunteering, I thought I only wanted early childhood foster children. Then, I volunteered for twin freshmen boys in High School. Their humor, resilience, and determination to overcome their trauma were inspiring. I enjoyed and looked forward to our monthly visits. Their teachers, counselors, and I witnessed a positive difference in their attitudes and demeanor as they progressed socially, emotionally, and academically. ~ Carol Hendry, Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer
In Cabarrus County, there are 33 GAL volunteers serving 220 foster children, while in Rowan County, 14 GAL volunteers support 180 foster children. These volunteers come from all walks of life, united by their commitment to making a difference in the lives of children.
The primary responsibility of a GAL is to advocate on behalf of the child. This involves:
Gaining Knowledge: GALs meet with the child, parents, foster parents, teachers, and other significant figures in the child’s life to gain a comprehensive understanding of their situation.
Reviewing Documents: They examine court documents, school records, medical reports, and other relevant materials to gather information.
Court Representation: GALs attend court hearings and present their findings, making recommendations that prioritize the child’s safety, well-being, and long-term stability.
Ongoing Connection: Even after initial court hearings, GALs continue to monitor the child’s situation, ensuring that court orders are followed and that the child’s needs are consistently met.
The Cabarrus County GAL program provides extensive training that covers child development, the effects of abuse and neglect, court procedures, and effective advocacy techniques. Additionally, GALs receive ongoing support from program supervisors and staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the emotional and logistical challenges of their work.
GALs advocate for children’s best interests, ensuring they are placed in loving homes, receive essential medical and psychological care, and access educational opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. Beyond these tangible outcomes, having a dedicated advocate provides significant emotional benefits. For children navigating the uncertainties of the judicial system, knowing there is an adult committed to their welfare, who listens and stands up for their needs, fosters a crucial sense of security and validation necessary for their development and healing.
For those in Cabarrus County interested in making a meaningful impact, becoming a Guardian ad Litem is a powerful way to contribute to the community. Volunteers often find the experience deeply rewarding, knowing that they are playing a critical role in shaping a child’s future.
If you’re seeking a meaningful way to contribute to our community, learn more about Cabarrus County’s Guardian ad Litem program—where every voice matters, and every child deserves to be listened to.
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