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 expediently toward a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home.  Established by statute in 1983, the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has been serving abused and neglected children for more than 30 years. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7B-601, when a petition alleging abuse or neglect of a juvenile is filed in district court, the judge appoints a volunteer Guardian ad Litem advocate and an attorney advocate to provide team representation to the child, who has full party status in trial and appellate proceedings.  All Guardian ad Litem advocates are trained, supervised, and supported by program staff in each county of the state. The collaborative model of GAL attorney advocates, volunteers, and staff ensures that all North Carolina children who are alleged by the Division of Social Services to have been abused or neglected receive GAL legal advocacy services. Our local office serves all of District 3B which includes Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret counties. Please visit www.volunteerforgal.org or call 252-639-3232 (Craven & Pamlico Counties), 252-504-4525 (Carteret County) for more information.