The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program serving New Hanover and Pender counties is seeking volunteers.
Celebrating 30 years of advocacy in October, the GAL program serves and advocates for abused and neglected children. (Read related story)
The state’s Guardian ad Litem program was established by state statute in 1983 and requires every child in the Department of Social Services custody because of abuse or neglect be appointed a Guardian ad Litem advocate to act as their voice in court.
The volunteer program has saved the state more than $11 million since its inception, according to GAL program assistant Brandi Temple.
“The program in New Hanover and Pender counties was one of the first pilot sites in the state, staffed by one attorney advocate and one volunteer advocating for hundreds of children in the court system,” Temple said. “Today the local program has grown to three attorney advocates, five professional staff and 150 volunteers who advocated for the best interests of 591 children in the past year.”
An open house will be from 11 a.m. until noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 8 at 272 N. Front St., Suite 215.
For more information, call (910) 251-5755.
