Research Career: Guardian ad litem 1

Research Career: Guardian ad litem

Brianna L. Leith

Seton Hill University

Research Career: Guardian ad litem 2

Abstract

Children and families in courts may require extra assistance in fighting their case so a

guardian ad litem or GAL is called in to assist the child and their family. The GAL will help

settle disputes and provide a professional opinion after hearing both sides of the case. They may

also represent the child’s case in court alongside the child’s attorney. GALs use their many skills

to ensure their decision in where the child will be placed. They must be able to communicate

effectively and advocate the wants and needs of the child even though it may not be your

recommendation. This position comes with difficulties that may challenge the National

Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. This job comes with great opportunities

to make a positive impact in the community and leave a mark on someone’s life. The guardian ad

litem career will allow future social workers and attorneys to use their skills to help their

communities.
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Research Career: Guardian ad litem

Families and children have disputes and arguments that may not be settled in their homes.

They may need extra assistance from the government whether that’s the state or federal. Within

those many cases, there are multiple sides to the story that must be heard and decisions on

placements, punishments, and education all come together. A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a

person who advocates and represents a child in court and provides professional advice and their

opinion to the judge. A GAL here in Westmoreland County, Patricia, is also an attorney and she

can advise and represent people in court. She currently works on a team of 7 attorneys but she is

the only one who is also a GAL. She can work with children and their families and help decide

what is best for the child and ensure that they are represented justly in court. The GAL

profession is fascinating with many aspects that can make an impact on someone’s life.

A career as a GAL requires a person to represent a child in court when a family or

correctional facility cannot decide where the child should go (Firm, 2017). These children may

be in the middle of a divorce or allegedly committed/convicted of a crime and some may be

living in an unsafe environment. GALs will have interviews and conversations with the child and

their families to ensure they can represent the child properly in the court. The GAL will then sit

in court and listen to the opposing side disagree with the child’s decision. Then they will provide

the judge with their professional decision as to where the child will be placed.

GALs will need to use their advocacy and communication skills to ensure the safety and

best decisions for the placement of the child. Other valuable skills for GALs are problem-solving

and research skills. GALs should be able to use their communication skills to build a network

within their community to solve problems with their clients. They all must have a bachelor’s
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degree in social work, law, criminal justice, or psychology some GALs have a Juris Doctorate

(JD) and others obtain their master’s degree (Zippa, 2019). A GAL must stay informed on any

changes in state laws and procedures to effectively help their community (LawCrossing, 2019).

Some GALs may work within a team and others may work in a solo career but both help their

community.

A GALs career will continue to be needed until there are no more family disputes. This

career is promising since mediation will continue to be necessary for all types of families. GALs

on average make $30,000 salary and can make up to $87,000 if they are also an attorney. Helping

professions are rewarding in their pay and their impact on their community (Zippa, 2019).

There are many pros to becoming a GAL, as they help the children and families in their

community. They also can grow and make a living for themselves. This helping career can be

stressful so knowing you are making a difference and have an impact on someone’s life is

special. Being a GAL can be difficult since they will hear many stories of other people’s pain and

trauma. They will stay strong for their clients and show their emotions through their hobbies.

Conclusion

Patricia provided valuable information about the career and she gave great insight and

tips on how to be successful and how to maintain balance. Patricia uses hobbies to balance work

and home life stresses; she enjoys poetry, art, and theatrical work. These destress activities

provide Patricia a break from the cases and clients she is working with. GALs just like Patricia

enjoy their work and making any form of impact in their community. GALs must keep a balance

though throughout their careers to prevent burnout. This career has greater benefits than GALs
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may see in closing their cases; they are changing the lives of children and families they are

advocating.
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References

Firm, G. L. (2017, November 16). Galmiche Law Firm PC. Retrieved from

https://www.galmichelawfirm.com/blog/2016/november/understanding-role-of-guardian-

ad-litem-in-child/.

LawCrossing.com. (2019, October 23). How to Become a Guardian Ad Litem. Retrieved from

https://www.lawcrossing.com/article/5066/How-to-Become-a-Guardian-Ad-Litem/.

LawCrossing.com. (2019, October 23). Pass the Bar in One State, Work in Another. Retrieved

from

https://www.lawcrossing.com/article/130/Pass-the-bar-in-one-state-Work-in-Another/.

Zippa.com. (2019). Here's How To Become A Guardian Ad Litem In 2019. Retrieved from

https://www.zippia.com/guardian-ad-litem-jobs/.