2nd District  
Judicial Branch Home > 2nd Home > Juvenile and Family Division > Guardian Ad Litem Program >

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Opportunities

GUARDIAN AD LITEM INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

Learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate for children in Ramsey County by attending a one-hour informational session.

All applicants must attend an information session before attending our training program.

To reserve a place please contact Tiffany Halligan at tiffany.halligan@courts.state.mn.us or call 651-266-5274.

DATE   TIME LOCATION
June 10, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Juvenile and Family Justice Center
25 West 7th Street    
St. Paul, MN 55102   
GAL office 2nd floor                 
July 11, 2013 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Rondo Community Library
461 Dale Street North
St. Paul, MN 55103
July 29, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Juvenile and Family Justice Center
August 12, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Juvenile and Family Justice Center
August 28, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Juvenile and Family Justice Center
September 14, 2013 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rondo Community Library
September 23, 2013 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Juvenile and Family Justice Center

When sessions are held at the Juvenile and Family Justice Center location in the evening, please note that the main doors are locked at 4:30 p.m.  Staff is at the main door to let people in, so please do your best to arrive a few minutes early; otherwise you may not be able to enter the building.

All accepted applicants are required to complete 40 hours of pre-service training.  The next training class will be offered in the fall of 2013, dates TBA.

WHAT IS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM?

A Guardian ad Litem is an advocate for a child whose welfare is a matter of concern for the court. In legal terms, it means "guardian for the lawsuit." When the court is making decisions that will affect a child's future, the child needs and deserves a spokesperson -- an objective adult to provide independent information about the best interests of the child. While other parties in the case are concerned about the child, the Guardian ad Litem is the only person in the case whose sole concern is the best interests of the child, and he or she is assigned as an advocate for the child for the duration of the court process. Different from a legal guardian, the Guardian ad Litem has no control over the person or property of the child and does not provide a home for the child. The Guardian ad Litem does not function as the child's attorney and does not provide direct services to the child.

WHAT DOES A GUARDIAN AD LITEM DO?

There are three primary functions:

1. Information-gathering for the court

  • What has happened to the child
  • Current circumstance and needs of the child

2. Making recommendations to the court

  • What the child needs to be safe
  • What services and treatment plans should be ordered for the child and family
  • What permanent resolution is in the best interests of the child

3. Advocating for speedy decisions that take into account the impact of delays and time on the child

AS AN ADVOCATE YOU:

  • visit with the child

  • observe the child with others

  • talk with family members

  • interview professionals

  • review records and reports

  • make best interest recommendations

  • attend court hearings

  • make a difference

  • speak up for a child's needs
 

 
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM IN COURT?

Based on their independent information gathering about the case, and their contact with the child and other people concerned, the Guardian ad Litem comes to court and makes recommendations to the judge that they think would be in the best interests of the child.

Guardian ad Litem input is one of several important pieces of information the judge uses in making an informed ruling on behalf of the child.

Guardians ad Litem need to be an independent voice that is not influenced by any other party's interests or position. A Guardian ad Litem who can tell the court "I was there -- this is what I observed" can be invaluable.

WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND AND TRAINING DO GUARDIANs AD LITEM HAVE?

Guardians ad Litem come from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. A concern for children and a willingness to speak up for a child's best interests are important qualifications. Guardians ad Litem are responsible adults with good judgment and the common sense that comes with life experience.

All advocates are required to complete an application, interview and screening process, including a thorough background check. They must complete a 40 hour pre-service training that is typically offered twice a year (once in the spring and then the fall). We ask that volunteers commit themselves to at least a year and a half of service and that they carry two cases during their volunteer tenure. The goal is always to ensure that we have Guardians ad Litem who are able to fulfill their commitment to the children for whom they advocate.

There are continuing educational opportunities to enhance skills, and ongoing support and supervision are provided.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE PROGRAM
  • orientation
  • training
  • ongoing case consultation, support and supervision
  • clerical support
  • reimbursement for mileage and parking expenses
  • a sense of accomplishment for giving something back to your community
WHEN IS THE NEXT TRAINING *these dates are tentative*

Guardians ad Litem are mandated by the Supreme Court of Minnesota to attend 40 hours of training. We schedule trainings two times per year. You must apply and be accepted to the program prior to attending training.

 

Spring 2013 – April 12, 13, 19, 20, 27 (Must attend all sessions)


To apply please print out the following forms and return to:
   
Ramsey County Guardian ad Litem Program
Tiffany Halligan, Volunteer Recruiter
25 West 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55102-1103
Phone: (651) 266-5274

Email us

GAL Volunteer Application