Open House
Friday April 29, 2016
St. Albans Courthouse
36 Lake Street, St. Albans VT
The Franklin/Grand Isle Superior Court Family Division is appealing to local residents to serve as Guardians ad Litem (GAL'S) for children and teens involved in the court system. The event will include the showing of a brief video, presentation by the VTGAL Program Manager, and opportunities to meet current GAL'S and court staff. Light refreshments will be served.
GAL'S are volunteers from all backgrounds who are appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of every abused and neglected child, while there is a need for additional volunteers across the state, that need is the greatest in the Franklin and Grand Isle Counties area, which has the highest caseload in the state. Some people may have heard about GAL'S but they either do not know what they do or aren't sure that they can do it. This is a great opportunity for someone who may be interested to come to the court, meet the people doing this important work, and get all the information they need.
Under Vermont law, an abused or neglected child's best interests are protected by volunteer Guardians ad Litem; advocates who help children get the resources and support they need. The GAL'S are appointed during the first hearing in Family Court and remain an active part of a child's team until the case is resolved. A GAL'S role is to provide information to the Judge about the best strategies to aid each child in achieving safety and permanency. The GAL participates in educational and treatment meetings, attends all court hearings, and meets regularly with the child or teen to gain perspective on what is in the child's best interest.
There are no specific prerequisites for becoming a volunteer GAL, but each candidate must apply, be interviewed, pass a thorough background check, and complete a three day training before they can begin. Volunteers come from all educational and professional backgrounds, and there is no specific experience you have to have in order to be a great GAL! The next tree day pre-service training in the St. Albans area is on May 16, 17th and 23, and we would love to train as many people as possible!
If you are interested in learning more about the open house, contact Robert Fricke at Robert.Fricke@Vermont.gov or email jud-vermontgal@Vermont.Gov For more information about the Vermont Guardian ad Litem Program or to obtain an application please visit www.VermontJudiciary.org/GAL.aspx.
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