[jhynesrockmtn]

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 :-)