Guardian ad litem?
 

Anyone have experience working with, or as, a Guardian ad Litem? (Getting a divorce probably doesn't count, sorry.) Is it rewarding, or will it break my heart?

Like every retiree, I've reached the point where I'd like to give back. My county has opening for volunteer Guardians ad Litem, and it appears a law degree isn't needed. Better yet, they'll provide training to get you certified.

(If I'm going to volunteer, It's not as a cashier for the hospital gift shop.)

How breakable is your heart? Having a big enough heart to do this is one thing but living with the constant letting go or watching someone self-destruct is another. Bless you for wanting to do it but as with anything deeply personal go in with your eyes open Dixie. just my .02.

That's my concern. I suspect they'd be thrilled to have me once I get past that one interview question.

"So you're known to like dive bars, shooting pool, wearing mini skirts, and driving fast cars. You're also known for doing shots with the Diablos MC. Do you really think you're a fit for this job????"

I'll just answer
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PPOT is becoming one of the weirdest forums out there. I spend a lot of time on the Garage J. but with the exception of the very smart, those are some dumb F hillbillies.

Where to go to have a conversation that is more like down at the coffee shop?

With all due respect and kindness Zeke, could you please elaborate? I honestly don't get your point. Am I not supposed to want to help children? Maybe I'm not supposed to have a sense of humor? I'm honestly confused.

At the risk of being cynical, I’d want to know if a GAL has immunity, insurance, or other legal protections.

It might be interesting but I agree with the other replies. 9 times out of 10, this will be thankless, stressful, and emotionally draining work.

You need to do work that fills your bucket. The question is, will the 1/10 clients you deal with fill your bucket enough to make the other 90% worthwhile?

One of my old best friends and a former pelican, was a social worker at one point in his life. You burn out in under 5 years in these types of jobs trying to help others and carrying their burdens.

I think if I were to take something like this on, I would have ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F’ on constant replay on audible…

Best of luck to you if you go for it.

GAL's work in many different areas of support. Some handle adults with disabilities who don't have a family member they can trust. Some support children in the "system" through court appearances, foster placements, etc. I've worked in both areas with non profits as their COO/CFO over the years. I spent a couple of years directly managing a representative payee office. We handled the SS or VA disability benefits for folks who were deemed incompetent to manage their income to ensure it was used for rent, etc. We weren't technically GALs, but I worked with several where our duties and clients intersected.

I'd suggest meeting with folks doing the work specifically with the type of client you are interested in. They can share their stories and you'll get a good idea of what it takes. Unless someone has direct experience on this forum, the information you get will at best be highly suspect :-)

Thank you for your high level overview of a GAL's duties. It's exactly what I wanted. I honestly never thought about adults needing GAL services. Where I live, I suspect the majority of cases involve adults.

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

[QUOTE=Capt. Carrera;12116313]That's my concern. I suspect they'd be thrilled to have me once I get past that one interview question.

"So you're known to like dive bars, shooting pool, wearing mini skirts, and driving fast cars. You're also known for doing shots with the Diablos MC. Do you really think you're a fit for this job????"

I'll just answer

Um, perfect fit? May need to be a coach rather than a saviour. But, I'll assume you know this.

Dave.

Nominated for "post of the year" .... mebbe it should become "thread of the year"?

I've never been on the GJ .... could they take away some more birds and raise the IQ of both forums ;)?

The island is a beautimous place fwiw :D

I will admit to knowing absolutely nothing about a GAL. But, I do have an adult child with disabilities. In the last week, Mrs. LWJ and I have discussed at length how to do estate planning with our child who has next to zero financial management ability. We probably have this worked out in the shape of a young niece who is onboard as Trustee, but I see the need as spelled out above.

Good on you. "Look for the helpers," said Fred Rogers.

God, I love a man with a sense of humor, lol. ;)

mom is one, she has a business doing it.

boundaries are important. even moreso when dealing with family/health/relationship issues. if you dont have strong boundaries, i would not attempt the job.

My wife is an ad hoc medical advocate for 3 folks. She makes sure they remember their medical appointments and actually go to them. She hears all about their health and family problems and gets multiple phone calls a day from them. It's not thankless, but definitely stressful and emotionally draining. Sometimes she lays some of it on me. It's getting to be a problem and we are working on a solution.
When it gets to be too much for me, your ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F’ in action is me telling her "Sorry, my Give a F is busticated right now."

The world has changed Zeke. Down at the coffee shop around here is like PARF anymore.
If I want to have a friendly chat I talk to my dog Owen.