Competency 3

Apply understanding of social, economic, and

environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the
individual and system levels

Guardian AD Litem advocates for children in court and seeks social justice for children
on individual and system levels. GAL helps children transition from homes and schools.
They make sure that all their needs are being met, physically, mentally and
emotionally. They ensure the children are in a safe and clean environment. If the child
was removed from a home, they will work along with the social worker to make sure
the home is safe before the child can return. I am currently working under my
supervisor to learn to how to complete these goals successfully.

Engage in practices that advance social, economic,

and environmental justice

GAL works with the children and gets to know them on a personal level. They hear
their stories and informs the judge of their wishes in court. GAL visits the children and
contacts the caregivers, social worker, parents ( if possible) and teachers and gets
everybody's side of the story. Then they type a court report for the judge every 3
months until the child's case is closed out. Also, we contact community leaders and
recruit volunteers to try to get our name out so people can learn about our program.
Hopefully by doing this we can get more volunteers as well. I am currently practicing
all of the above.