What is the role of a Guardian ad Litem?
All TIP volunteers can serve as a guardian ad litem (GAL) in two circumstances: in truancy cases or educational neglect cases. GALs are always assigned in educational neglect cases (and sometimes assigned in truancy cases) and serve as an appointed officer of the court who represents the best interests of the child. The guardian ad litem is given a court order that allows him/her to investigate the child’s situation and make reports to the court upon completion of that investigation. In each situation, the volunteer will build a relationship with the child and seek resources to try to meet the child’s needs. Volunteers are expected to serve as the GAL on each case for at least a year or until the case is closed and to be present at future proceedings. The GAL has two major roles: 1. To represent the best interests of the child in all court proceedings related to attendance issues. 2. To be a role model to and advocate for the child; to assist the family in identifying and utilizing com
