Summary of Services
- Advocates for and mentors children who have experienced abuse or neglect, representing their best interests in legal proceedings
- Provides courts with detailed assessments and recommendations to safeguard children’s well-being
- Offers regular in-person or virtual mentoring sessions to support children emotionally and socially during their legal journey
Driven by a Unified Commitment to Protect Children's Interests
The statewide Guardian ad Litem Office consists of volunteers and staff who advocate in good faith and mentor children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In legal contexts, the term refers to a person appointed to represent someone else, typically a minor or an incapacitated individual, in a specific legal proceeding.
United by a shared mission to act in the best interests of children, the Guardian ad Litem team comprises professionals from various fields—such as social workers, child advocate managers, and pro bono attorneys—working collaboratively to protect and represent foster youth.
All Guardians ad Litem (GALs) and mentors undergo thorough background checks and are provided with opportunities for ongoing training to enhance their effectiveness in serving children. Through accurate reporting, thoughtful recommendations, and comprehensive assessments of each child's needs and preferences, GALs provide essential information to the court, helping to safeguard a child's well-being.
Additionally, mentors engage in regular in-person or virtual meetings, providing a safe and encouraging environment. Transparent conversations enable mentors to better understand and expand on the children's thoughts, needs, and interests as they navigate their legal journey.
Helping Youth Build Foundations for Independence
The Pathways to Promise program transforms youth's preparation for life beyond the foster care system. This initiative empowers mentors to work closely with each youth to develop strategies that address their unique goals, strengths, and challenges. These plans often include setting educational and career objectives, developing life skills such as budgeting and time management, and identifying housing and employment opportunities.
In addition to practical planning, Pathways to Promise provides vital emotional support. Mentors build trusting relationships with the youth, offering encouragement, stability, and a consistent presence during a time of uncertainty. By connecting youth with community-based resources—such as mental health services, educational programs, job training, and housing assistance—Pathways to Promise helps equip them with the tools and support systems they need to achieve long-term independence and success.
Centering Youth Voices to Strengthen and Improve Foster Care Services
Complementing this initiative is the Champions program, which features inspiring leaders who are former members of the foster care system. By sharing personal insights and proposing innovative, youth-centered solutions, Champions helps drive meaningful change within the system. Their contributions amplify the voices of current foster youth and improve the quality of services offered by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem organization.