How do I become a Guardian ad Litem and what is the pay like?

Question

I know it may change from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but please share what you know.

Answer 1

check with the courts and the welfare systems, and foster parenting services, or any other agency dealing with alternate parenting, or other types of guardianship matters. Good luck

Answer 2

You do not mention your State of residence but in Florida, most GAL's are volunteers and undergo 30-40 hours of initial training before becoming certified and then a minimum of 20 hours per year of continuing education.

The function of the GAL is to advocate in Court for abused, neglected and abandoned children who have been declared dependent by the Court.

In Florida, each County has a AGL office which reports to the Florida GAL department. When the Dependency Jusge determines that a child needs to have a GAL, the COunty GAL agency is appointed and the Local Director and Staff match the child to a GAL volunteer what they see as bext experienced and quakified to handle that case. For example, I specialize in Teens and those children about to "age-out" (reach 18 years old). I become very involved in seeing that the child receives all of the benefits that would help hin/her on the road to Independent Living.

Answer 3

They choose the guardian from those who've petiitioned the court. Usually, they pay next to nothing, but you would be entitled to reasonable compensation for your services if the person has resources.