Rockingham County Guardian Ad Litem Program

The mission of the Guardian ad Litem Program is to provide trained, independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected, or dependent children involved in the court and work toward a service system that ensures that these children are safe.

A Guardian ad Litem in North Carolina is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. The Guardian ad Litem Volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court about services which focus on the needs of each child. The Guardian ad Litem Volunteer advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child within the shortest time possible. There are no special requirements to become a Guardian ad Litem. Anyone in the community that is over 18 and can pass a criminal background is eligible.