The Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association

Every day, on average, one child is taken from his or her home and placed in foster care in New Hanover and Pender Counties... not because of anything the child did, but because the child's home life has become too dangerous for the child.

What happens to these children? Some eventually go home again when it is safe, some are adopted, and others live in foster care.

These children's well being is paramount and issues regarding the children are decided in family court, through a legal process in which the biological parent(s) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) are represented by attorneys.

Who represents the child in this process? The Guardian ad Litem, a trained volunteer who works with the GAL attorney and GAL professional staff helps to determine what is in the child's best interest. The Guardian ad Litem is the child's advocate and voice in court.

GAL children receive basic food, shelter, education, clothing, and frequently love from their foster families. But there is so much more that a child needs to thrive and to reach his or her potential. This is where the Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association (CFGALA) comes in. CFGALA raises money to fund enrichment activities for these children: a week at camp, piano lessons, a musical instrument, tutoring, a prom dress, or funds for a school field trip.