Children have no choice but to rely on the adults in their lives to provide safety, food, water and a nurturing environment. Unfortunately, and for a myriad of reasons, those responsible can’t or don’t always rise to the occasion, leaving the most defenseless among us powerless to defend themselves and with no voice or advocate to fight for their cause. That is where the Guardian ad Litem program can help. This team of two attorney advocates, four program supervisors, a program assistant, a district administrator and a group of trained and committed volunteers stand beside abused and neglected children who have been petitioned into court through no fault of their own. Guardian ad Litems provide legal representation for the children and “assist juvenile court judges in making sound legal decisions affecting children’s lives. Volunteers need no particular educational or prior training, just a sincere desire to champion our children’s best interests.”

Unfortunately, this is no small task. While the program has helped many children achieve happy endings, that is not always the case. While each representative, caseworker and volunteer is committed to doing right by their charges, the numbers are staggering. Last fiscal year, Cumberland County Guardian ad Litem served 17,189 abused and neglected children representing them in 38,043 court hearings.

“We are always looking for advocates to help on behalf of abused and neglected kids in our community,” said Dwight Torrey, Cumberland County Gaurdian ad Litem district administrator. “People may see things on the news but they don’t consider that the kids have a life afterwards and we are with them after they are not on the news anymore. We work to provide permanence for them and find a nurturing home and family.”

While the Guardian ad Litem program is designed to advocate for children, sometimes there are gaps in the system that leave needs unmet. In 2012, the Guardian ad Litem Foundation was established with the intention of being able to fill short falls in services provided to kids in foster care that cannot be paid for by Medicaid or other state and federal funding. 

“There are instances when funding is not available and the foundation was established to raise funding to support the Guardian ad Litem cause,” said Jane Sutherlin, spokesperson for the foundation. “For example, there was a teen who needed braces — not for cosmetic, but for health reasons. The mom had braces put on while the teen was in her care, but did not follow through on needed treatments. Medicare paid for placement but the braces  were never able to serve their function. They broke and had to be removed. She still needed braces but Medicare paid once to put them on and would not replace them.”

Other scenarios include cases where insurance denies mental health therapy for a child that needs therapy. Because the insurance won’t pay, the child won’t get the therapy they need.

“There are so many needs out there that most people don’t realize,” said Sutherlin. “But funding through the state is shrinking and there are 700 in foster care in Cumberland County.”

Like many nonprofits, the foundation is always looking for funds, for volunteers, for exposure. To date the only donations received have been to cover the costs of legal fees to set up the organization. Legend’s Pub is set to host a fundraiser for the foundation on Aug. 14, and Sutherlin is hopeful that this will enable the foundation to start fulfilling its mission. 

“This is our first fundraiser and we are excited that Legends has agreed to do this. We will be appreciative of whatever they can offer,” said Sutherlin. “We need to let the community know we are here. If someone has $5 to donate it is a place they could give to that will make a difference in the life of a child.” 

To find out more about the foundation, or to make a donation, email ccgalf@gmail.com.