Twenty-three abused or neglected children currently in foster care in Yadkin County have no one representing their desires or looking for their best interests.
The Guardian ad Litem program in Yadkinville is seeking volunteers to become court-appointed child advocates.
“We have some wonderful local volunteers, but the need is greater than they can serve,” said Cathy Davidson, the new local supervisor for Yadkin County’s GAL program. “We need people from all walks of life to be the eyes and ears of the court and to give these children a voice in what is happening to them.”
The local program especially needs men volunteers, Davidson said. Boys make up 61% of the children currently placed in the Department of Social Services’ protection and Yadkin County has only one male volunteer.
Guardian ad Litems get to know the children, observe their situation and options, and report to the court their desires and best interests. They speak with parents, foster care givers, social workers, health-care providers, teachers, and others to be able to advocate for the child’s welfare. Their reports help the judge make an informed decision about the child’s future.
Anyone with the slightest flexibility in their daily schedules can easily volunteer as a GAL advocate, Davidson said.
For more information about volunteering, please call Cathy Davidson at 336-849-7409.
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