Wayne County, NC — For over four decades, the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program has been a powerful voice for children in the court system, and under the leadership of District Administrator Sebastian Ratliff, the program continues to expand its advocacy across Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene counties.
The Guardian ad Litem program is a state-funded child advocacy initiative that recruits and trains community volunteers to represent the best interests of children involved in court proceedings due to allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency. Once the Department of Social Services (DSS) files a petition with the court, GAL is appointed as a party to the case — not to support the parents or DSS, but solely to advocate for the child.
“Our focus is always the best interest of the child,” said Ratliff. “We aren’t DSS, and we aren’t the parents’ advocate. We’re here strictly for the children.”
Each case involves both a volunteer advocate and an attorney advocate, the latter being a licensed attorney who legally represents the child in court. Volunteers play a hands-on role, conducting visits with children, caregivers, therapists, teachers, and others involved in the child’s life. They review educational, medical, and therapeutic records to help the court make informed decisions that prioritize the child’s well-being.
The GAL program serves children from birth until their 18th birthday. In 2024 alone, the Wayne County office supported approximately 1,000 children.
One unique element of the district is its involvement with the Family Accountability and Recovery Court (FARC), a specialty court designed to support parents struggling with substance abuse. “FARC is an extension of our efforts,” Ratliff explained. “It provides resources like peer support and treatment options, helping parents recover so they can reunite safely with their children.”
Reunification remains the program’s goal wherever possible. GAL volunteers often recommend resources for parents, such as domestic violence education, women’s empowerment courses, and abuser treatment programs — interventions that are ultimately turned into court orders by the presiding judge.
Volunteer Training and Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to the program’s mission, and recruitment is ongoing. Prospective volunteers can apply online at www.volunteerforgal.org. The process includes a background check, an interview, and a 30-hour training course spread over six weeks. The training combines self-paced online modules with weekly group sessions led by GAL staff.
“It’s serious work,” Ratliff emphasized. “You’re being sworn in by a judge and entrusted with a child’s future. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Once trained, volunteers are sworn in and have the flexibility to choose which cases they wish to take. The GAL program offers three to four training cycles per year, and applications are kept on file for future training opportunities.
With offices in Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene counties, and a legacy of over 42 years, the Guardian ad Litem program continues to call on compassionate individuals to step forward and be a voice for children in need.
