Volunteer: Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Advocate

Childreninplacement; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Children in Placement offers a rewarding volunteer role as a Guardian ad Litem Advocate to support children in the welfare system. Volunteers will advocate for neglected and abused children, complete necessary training, and provide essential support throughout judicial proceedings. This is an impactful opportunity to make a significant difference in children's lives while committing a few hours each month.

Qualifications

• Volunteers serve as friends of the court, advocating for children.
• Must complete extensive training and commit to 2-5 hours per month.
• Provide consistent adult presence and support during judicial processes.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for children in state custody, supporting their best interests.
• Conduct thorough case investigations by interviewing relevant parties.
• Make informed recommendations to the court based on investigations.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Investigative skills

Education

Completion of 40 hours of training

Job description

Join to apply for the Volunteer: Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Advocate role at Children in Placement.

Children in Placement is a 501(c)3 non-profit helping Connecticut’s children since 1979. We aim to be Connecticut’s leader in supporting children and youth through awareness, partnerships, resources, and policy changes to help them develop into successful adults.

Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Volunteer Opportunity

Every year, many abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Connecticut become part of judicial proceedings. Their voices are often unheard, and their best interests overlooked.

The main role of a GAL volunteer is to serve as a friend of the court, advocating for children in state custody. The goal is to reduce the time children wait for permanent placement. GAL advocates investigate cases thoroughly by interviewing children, families, social workers, and others, to make informed recommendations to the court.

All GAL advocates receive extensive training, supervision, and support from Children in Placement. They must complete 40 hours of training plus a 12-hour annual follow-up. Volunteers are assigned one case and stay with it until it is resolved, helping to find a safe, stable, and permanent home for the child(ren).

GAL volunteers ensure children’s voices are heard and provide support and stability, often being the only consistent adult presence in their lives. They help reduce the time children spend in the welfare system and advocate for their well-being and future.

Time Commitment

Depending on the case complexity, volunteers typically spend 2-5 hours per month, with cases lasting 3-6 months on average.

This volunteer opportunity is offered through VolunteerMatch in partnership with LinkedIn for Good.