The Guardian Ad Litem Program advocates for the best interest of the children alleged to be abused, abandoned, or neglected who are involved in court proceedings. The program uses a team approach to advocate for the children, lay volunteers, child advocate coordinators, and attorneys. Together we collect comprehensive information about the child and family, attend staffings and hearings, and take steps to further the child’s best interests. Our volunteers visit the child monthly in the home environment and make recommendations to the court as to the child’s best interests, and inform the court of the child’s wishes. We also monitor the child’s safety and well-being, as well as significant changes in the parents’ lives, which could impact the child’s safety.