Catawba County Home

Be A Voice for A Child...

When a child is hurt by those who are supposed to protect them, GAL volunteers stand up to ensure the child's voice is heard.

You can help a child who is involved in a court proceeding as a victim of abuse or neglect by becoming a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). The GAL Program needs volunteers to represent the best interest of children in the court system. The qualifications are that you be of good moral character and care about children. The requirements are that you attend training, observe in court and promise to keep what you learn about the children confidential.

...Because It Matters To Each One
Contact Information

Guardian-Ad-Litem
Sydney G. Smith

Address
District Court Annex
1097 South Brady Ave.
Newton, NC 28658

Phone
828-465-1165
(828) 466-5569 FAX

Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

   
NC Guardian ad Litem
Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide trained independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children in the state court system and to work towards a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe permanent home.
Volunteer Application
Duties of a Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
NC Child Advocacy Institute
Información en Español


While walking along a beach, a man saw thousands of starfish
the tide had thrown onto the beach. Unable to return to the ocean during low tide, the starfish were dying. He observed a young man picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the water.

After watching the seemingly futile effort, the observer said, "There must be thousands of starfish on this beach. You can't possibly save enough to matter." The young man smiled as he continued to pick up another starfish and tossed it back into the ocean.

"It matters to this one," he replied.


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