ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — In courtrooms across Buncombe County, some of the most vulnerable voices are carried forward by trained community volunteers who speak solely for a child’s best interests.

The Buncombe County Guardian ad Litem program represents children involved in abuse, neglect and dependency cases, serving as their advocate throughout court proceedings. At any given time, the program represents about 325 children locally, with between 400 and 450 children served each year over the past five years, according to the Buncombe County Guardian ad Litem office.

“We are advocates for children in abuse, neglect and dependency court cases in Buncombe County,” the office said. “We are the voice for the child in court.”

Guardian ad Litem volunteers are appointed by a judge and conduct independent investigations, meet with children, gather information from caregivers and professionals, and make recommendations to the court about what would best serve the child’s needs.

Judges rely heavily on those recommendations.

“The judges in our cases rely on information from GAL volunteers to help make best-interest determinations,” the office said.

That role has become even more critical as Buncombe County’s child welfare system continues to recover from the lingering effects of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm disrupted families, strained services and contributed to instability for children already facing uncertain futures.

The program says it is always working toward one goal: ensuring that every abused or neglected child in Buncombe County has a Guardian ad Litem volunteer assigned to their case.

“No other local program duplicates our advocacy,” the office said.

Cases are filed weekly in Buncombe County, creating an ongoing demand for volunteers. Like many volunteer-driven programs, Guardian ad Litem faces natural turnover as volunteers retire, relocate or experience changes in employment.

“We are always striving for 100 percent volunteer coverage for our child clients’ cases, so we are always in need of more volunteers,” the office said.

The program operates under the state’s judicial branch as part of the North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program, which celebrated 40 years of child advocacy last year. Funding comes through the state government.

While financial support is important, the office says the most pressing need is people willing to serve.

Community members interested in volunteering can learn more and apply at volunteerforgal.org.

For program leaders, the greatest concern is the length of time children spend in foster care and the court system.

“What keeps us up at night is children staying in foster care and the court system longer than necessary,” the office said.

Recent statewide changes may help streamline court access. The Administrative Office of the Courts recently completed the rollout of Enterprise Justice, giving all 100 North Carolina counties online access to court records and services.

Still, the heart of the program remains personal connection — one adult consistently showing up for one child.

The office hopes the community understands the profound impact that commitment can have.

“A single volunteer can change the course of a child’s life.”