Guardian ad Litem is dedicated to speaking out for the rights of abused, neglected and abandoned children who have been thrust into the court system. Who we are  Guardian ad Litem volunteers, along with professional staff members, work together to provide advocacy for children with the goal of finding them a safe, permanent home. Learn more. How we make a difference  Research has shown that children represented by GAL spend less time in the court system and are more likely to find permanent homes. GAL is not limited by governmental red tape and cookie-cutter rules and regulations and can often suggest creative solutions to difficult situations.  Caseworkers come and go; it's not uncommon for a child to have had five or six caseworkers drift in and out of his/her life. Also, caseworkers juggle the needs of many children and their families at once. GAL volunteers, on average, work one or two cases at a time and can focus primarily on their assigned children.  Some children move from one foster home or relative's home to another, never knowing how long they will stay. Often a GAL volunteer is the only person who is familiar with a child's case and in most instances remains involved with the child until the Court permanently resolves the case.

While the caseworker takes a child's needs and what's best for the child into consideration, the caseworker must work for the family. The GAL's only concern is what's best for the child.  And, Guardian ad Litem makes good financial sense.  According to the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, in 2002, CASA/GAL volunteers contributed more than 9 million hours of service to children, which if compensated for their services would equal $461 million.