Guardian Ad Litem program gives children a voice

May 12—LENOIR — The North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem program trains volunteers to serve as advocates for abused, or neglected children in the court system.

After serving and protecting America as a Colonel in the United States Army for 28 years, Stephen Lee, started serving as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) as his way to support the local community because he believes it is important for each child to have a safe, secure home.

Some people may think being a GAL requires being responsible for the daily physical and financial care of a child, including providing food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and emotional well being, but that is not the case.

GAL serves only as an advocate for a child in court offering them a voice as they are moved through the legal system.

"Our focus is on the children," said Lee. "We advocate for children before the court."

Lee says he has been serving as GAL for the past five years and has advocated for children, including newborns. He said he has even had the opportunity to advocate for a set of five siblings.

Lee said successfully advocating for a child means getting to know the child, including how they feel about their situation and what the child's wishes are for a permanent solution.

GAL advocates solely for the child, while objectively bearing in mind the child's best interest. Getting to know the child may include visiting them at the school and meeting parents, or foster parents, and communicating with representatives with the Department of Social Services.

Serving as a GAL is about doing what is in the best interest of the child, with the hope of securing permanency, Lee said.

"Children need permanency and the safety of home," added Lee, who grew up in a nuclear family with seven siblings.

Although reunification of the child with their family may be an objective, it may not always be possible.

"Permanency is very crucial for growth and development," said Lee. "When we are able to find permanency, it is a great feeling of satisfaction for me."

Volunteering to serve as a GAL requires a commitment to meet with the child on a monthly basis, while their case is being reviewed in court, which may take one to two years.

"It can be tremendously rewarding," said Lee, talking about the reaction of the children when they see him and the smiles they give. "The Guardian Ad Litem program will provide all the training you need to do the job. The training equips the volunteer to make a difference in the lives of the children."

Lee said serving as a GAL has underscored the importance of having a family growing up.

"Everyone needs a close knit family," said Lee. "It made me thankful for what I had as a child and for what I was able to give my kids."

Volunteers range in age, from new college graduates to retirees.

Caldwell County's Guardian Ad Litem program is in Judicial District 25 and is located at 220 Main Street, NW in Lenoir. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem may call 828-759-351, or visit the website at https://volunteerforgal.org/menus/district-25.html