Fred Hapner from Guardian ad Litem Joined The Mix to Talk About the Organization

Fred Hapner Joined The Mix to Talk About Guardian Ad Litem

The Mix

On The Mix this week, Fred Hapner, the Circuit Director of the 14th District for Guardian ad Litem joined Caleb Jordan and Dana Erskine to talk about the organization. Fred talked about all the great things they are doing for children in our area and the different locations where people can volunteer.

What is Guardian Ad Litem?

The 14th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL) functions with specially trained volunteers who speak on behalf of abused, neglected, and abandoned children who are currently involved in court proceedings. The 14th Judicial District covers Bay, Gulf, Washington, Holmes, Jackson, and Calhoun Counties.

A GAL will become familiar with the child and the child’s case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure a safe, caring, stable, and permanent environment.

What is the Role of the Guardian ad Litem?

When you volunteer to be a GAL, there are various roles that you will have to take on. Fred says volunteers can visit the children as much as they want but they ask that it would be at least a monthly visitation. Some of the responsibilities include:

Information Gatherer: Collects all pertinent information and interviews family, friends, neighbors, and other persons involved in the child’s life.
Community Advocate: Works with community partners to ensure that the child is receiving the assistance and support needed to be successful.
Courtroom Advocate: Based on the information gathered, makes independent recommendations to the court and becomes the voice of the child, communicating the best interest of the children.

Who Can Be a Guardian ad Litem?

The minimum requirements to become a GAL are that you must:

Complete an application
Be at least 21 years of age (Can be 19 if teamed with a volunteer 21 or over)
Consent to a criminal background check
Consent to a Level 2 Background check which includes fingerprinting
Complete a screening interview with the local program
Complete 30 hours of certification training

For More Information

If you would like more information on how you can volunteer, call the perspective office of the area you are in and they can get you set up with signing up and on the path to training.