Volunteer your time to change a child’s life.
In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks. That’s where GAL volunteers like you can help make a difference.
Appointed by family court Commissioner/Judge, GAL volunteers typically handle one case at a time until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Other people come and go in the child’s life, but their GAL volunteer provides a constant presence the child needs to thrive and move on with their life.
Volunteers start by getting to know everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.
You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case.
You must pass a background check (State, Federal,CPS and Sex Offender History), participate in a 30-hour pre-service training course and agree to stay with a case until it is closed (we ask for a 2 year commitment). Read more about the requirements and role of being a CASA volunteer.
Click here for Guardian ad Litem application.
Click here for information on Guardian ad litem training.
Interested in helping children but not ready to commit to becoming a volunteer advocate? Learn about other volunteer opportunities.
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Guardian Friends of Lewis County
Guardian Friends of Lewis County is a 501C3 non-profit that is made up of various community members. The group raises funds to help meet the needs of the youth in foster care that are not met by the State. Each year Guardian Friends does many fundraisers such as a large benefit sale held in the early Summer. Be apart of Guardian Friends and help meet the needs of youth in foster care!