Each year, more than 500,000 children and youth are served by the United States foster care system. In Florida, Guardian ad Litems (GALs) are appointed by the court to represent children in cases of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. In 2020, 10,000 GAL volunteers represented 38,000 children in Florida.

GALs are volunteers from various professional backgrounds, such as educators, retirees and attorneys, who receive specialized training. Their role is vital as they are entrusted by the state with the responsibility of representing the best interests of children and ensuring their voices are heard throughout legal proceedings.

Research shows that stronger relationships with GALs lead to better outcomes for youth, yet there is limited understanding of how GALs perceive and manage the process of building and maintaining these relationships. This gap in knowledge hinders efforts to optimize GAL support and advocacy for children in foster care.

To gain insight into GALs’ perspectives on their relationships with youth in the foster care system, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice and Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, conducted a qualitative study involving 555 GALs statewide. Participants completed a survey featuring open-ended questions designed to explore how they engage with youth, the dynamics of these relationships, and the processes through which they are built and maintained over time. Researchers examined GALs’ experiences and perceptions of forming relationships with youth in foster care, with a particular focus on the role of training in this process.

Findings, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, reveal three key themes: the process of building relationships, the factors that influence this process, and the strategies GALs use to develop connections with youth. A central takeaway across all themes was the critical role that trust plays in these relationships and the understanding that these relationships take time to develop.

Several factors influenced relationship-building, including the youth’s age, individual characteristics, and experiences before and during foster care. GALs noted that older youth, particularly those with negative experiences in the system, were harder to engage. Unstable placements and varying relationships with caregivers also made it difficult for youth to trust GALs.

One GAL reported, “It does take a bit of time for the child to realize you are a stable force in their lives, someone they can trust.” Another stated, “each visit is another building block toward the end result, which is a friendship such as they would have with a favorite teacher.”

To overcome challenges, GALs employed different strategies based on the age of the child. For younger children, they used structured activities like games, while for older children, they created informal spaces, such as walking or sharing meals, to facilitate conversation. GALs emphasized being professional, positive and sincere while building rapport. They also used strength-based approaches and often provided material support, like funding for summer camps or purchasing clothes, to meet the immediate needs of youth.

“While building relationships with these children can be challenging due to factors like trauma, instability, and a history of broken trust, many GALs in our study developed effective strategies to establish trust and foster meaningful connections,” said Heather Thompson, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work within the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.

According to one GAL, “My relationship with foster children depends on the age. Sometimes little ones are afraid that I am going to move them again. I usually bring them a stuffed animal and a book on my first visit, and they warm up to me. The older children understand my place in their lives, and I have a different relationship with each child.”

“Our study underscores the critical need for sustained, long-term relationships between Guardian ad Litems and youth in care, recognizing that these relationships are essential for the well-being and stability of vulnerable children,” said Thompson. “To foster these meaningful connections, it’s imperative that we enhance training programs for GALs, incorporating trauma-informed care and advanced communication skills.” 

Findings from the study also suggest that policies focusing on relational permanency – rather than just physical permanency – can further reinforce the critical role of GALs in fostering stability and well-being for youth in care.

“Policy reforms should prioritize consistent supervision and ensure GALs have the necessary resources and support to effectively advocate for the children they represent. These changes are vital in empowering GALs to build trust-based relationships that can truly make a difference.”

This study highlights the vital and multifaceted role that GALs play in the lives of youth in foster care, helping ensure that their needs and voices are considered in decisions that impact their futures.

“GALs are not only legal advocates but also critical emotional support figures, helping to navigate the complexities of the foster care system,” said Thompson.

Study co-authors are Morgan Cooley, Ph.D., an associate professor; Gabriel T. Cesar, Ph.D., an assistant professor; and Marianna L. Colvin, Ph.D., an associate professor and Dean’s Fellow for Research and Academic Effectiveness and director, Child Welfare Institute, within FAU’s Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work; and Laura Backstrom, Ph.D., an associate professor of sociology in FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. 

-FAU-