Established by statute in 1983, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has been serving North Carolina’s abused and neglected children for more than 40 years.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7B-601, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocate, an Attorney Advocate, and GAL Staff to provide team representation to the child. Guardian ad Litem Child Advocates are trained, supervised, and supported by Program Staff in each county of the state.