Guardians of youth: Guardian ad Litem in need of volunteers

The Guardian ad Litem program many times is the only help a child or youth can count on in court. The program was set up more than 30 years ago as a way to give young people a voice in the court system.

But it needs volunteers to keep it going, and officials with the program are currently looking for adults to step forward and become advocates for these youth, who are often the victims of abuse or neglect.

The program in the 8th Judicial District that includes Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties currently serves about 300 youths. And that number is expected to increase, given coming changes in the policies of the Department of Social Services.

Volunteers spend an average of eight hours a month on a particular case. That is not too much to ask, given the seriousness of the charge. A young life can many times be changed for the better by merely having an adult to turn to when parents are involved in substance abuse or mental health issues.

Consider volunteering. Sure, it will take time, and time is a precious commodity. But so is the life of a youth who has no one else to turn to when times are tough.

For more information about the Guardian ad Litem program, call 919-722-6300 or visit www.volunteerforgal.org.

Published in Editorials on October 6, 2016 10:00 AM