Guardian ad Litem program provides a voice for children

It could be something as simple as requesting a certain toy from home to more complex issues such as where a child wants to live. No matter the request or situation, volunteers with Rutherford County's Guardian ad Litem program are there to advocate for children.

"First and foremost, we are the voice for a child in court," said Charity Robinson, program supervisor for Rutherford County's Guardian ad Litem program. "We report to the court what the kids want, and how they are feeling about things. Then, we make our own recommendations as to what we feel is in the best interest of the children."

The Guardian ad Litem program in North Carolina was established in 1983 to serve abused and neglected children. A Guardian ad Litem is a trained volunteer who is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children, Robinson explained.

It isn't a volunteer role everyone feels comfortable with, but is one that those who do volunteer say is meaningful.

"When we hold our volunteer trainings, I compare it to hospice," Robinson continued. "It is a very hard thing to volunteer for, and it's not for everybody. But those who do volunteer have a passion for it and are in it from top to bottom."

Jimi Moore is one such volunteer. Moore began volunteering with Guardian ad Litem in Mecklenburg County in 1999, and continued to volunteer after moving to Rutherford County.

"The kids are the best - they are what's interesting about it," Moore said.

While not fun volunteering, Moore continued, it is extremely rewarding.

"You get an incredible amount of satisfaction from making a difference in a child's life," she said. "You're there, and hopefully the parents understand that you don't get paid and there's no reason for you to be involved other than you care about the child."

For Nancy Hoopes, being a Guardian ad Litem has allowed her to give back in a meaningful way.

"I'm a retired nurse, and when we moved to the Lake Lure area I was starting to feel like I needed to do more than just have fun," she said. "I began trying to find something I could volunteer for that I felt would be significant, but not in the medical field."

Hoopes expected being a Guardian ad Litem to be a tough role, but was surprised that it has not been.

"In almost all of my cases I have felt that the decision being made for the children was in their best interest," she said.

Guardian ad Litems are expected to meet with the children for whom they are advocating at least once per month, although they can meet with them more often. Volunteers can also have as many or as few cases as they'd like.

"We have a wonderful group," Robinson said. "They not only volunteer to support our kids, but also believe in this program and work hard to bring in new people. We have a really welcoming, good group - I can't say enough about them. When you do something like this, your heart has to be in it. What they bring to the table is that they truly do care about children and truly do hope to see nothing but good things happen in their futures. These advocates go above and beyond and try to help in any way they can."

There are 129 children who are currently served by Guardian ad Litem in Rutherford County; 45 of those children are still in need of advocates, Robinson continued.

"Anyone can start at any time for a one-on-one training," she said. "We also partner with McDowell County for a class two to three times a year." An online training will soon be in place as well.

"You can make a difference, one child at a time," Moore said.

For more information on the program, visit volunteerforgal.org or call 828-287-3929.