VOLUNTEER     Training

Interested individuals who wish to become volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program must complete 25-30 hours of training using the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Training Curriculum.
The training is based on adult learning principals, and includes many hands-on activities. The training is designed to provide the volunteer with a sound knowledge base regarding the skills and ideas necessary to advocate for children involved in the court system through no fault of their own.

The training curriculum includes themes such as:

• A thorough explanation of the role of a volunteer Guardian ad Litem.
• An introduction to the laws, the child protection system, and the courts.
• Exploring cultural and diversity awareness.
• Understanding families and children as both individuals and a family unit.
• How to effectively communicate in your role as GAL
• How to monitor a case and write effective court reports.

All of our volunteers are offered on-going continuing education opportunities on advocacy issues. Guardians ad Litem are supervised by program staff.

GAL Volunteer Workbook
GAL full Volunteer Workbook (about 100MB)

• Introduction
• Table of Contents
• Chapter 1 - Introducing the GAL/CASA Volunteer Role
• Chapter 2 - Introducing the Law, the Child Protection System & the Courts
  • Juvenile Laws Excerpts from North Carolina General Statutes
• Chapter 3 - Exploring Cultural Awareness
• Chapter 4 - Understanding Families - Part 1
• Chapter 5 - Understanding Families - Part 2
• Chapter 6 - Understanding Children
• Chapter 7 - Communicating as a GAL/CASA Volunteer
• Chapter 8 - Practicing the GAL/CASA Volunteer Role: Gathering Information
• Chapter 9 - Practicing the GAL/CASA Volunteer Role: Reporting & Monitoring
• Chapter 10 - Pulling It All Together
• Glossary