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A qualitative examination of recruitment and motivation to become a Guardian ad Litem in the child welfare system

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  • Cooley, Morgan E.
  • Thompson, Heather M.
  • Colvin, Marianna L.

Abstract

There is limited research that examines the experiences of Guardians ad Litems or Court Appointed Special Advocates appointed to cases to represent the best interest of children involved with the child welfare system. The purpose of this paper is to (1) identify and explore the primary mechanisms through which Guardians ad Litem are recruited and/or learn about the program and (2) identify and categorize the motivations that individuals describe for becoming a Guardian ad Litem. Data were collected as part of a larger cross-sectional, qualitative study of the Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office. The perspectives of 553 volunteers and employees comprise the sample. Themes pertaining to how advocates were recruited or became involved included personal contacts; media and advertising; involvement with GAL due to professional/career opportunity; targeted/purposeful recruitment efforts by GAL programs; and employment-related opportunity or involvement. In relation to what motivated advocates to volunteer, themes were life transitions; advocacy for children and families; volunteerism; personal fulfillment; personal/familial experiences; career or professional experiences; time; personal fit or interest; and attitudes/opinion of the GAL program. Implications for recruitment and motivation are discussed, as well as directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Cooley, Morgan E. & Thompson, Heather M. & Colvin, Marianna L., 2019. "A qualitative examination of recruitment and motivation to become a Guardian ad Litem in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 115-124.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:99:y:2019:i:c:p:115-124
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.01.031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Phillips, Jon D., 2016. "A qualitative study of collaboration between guardians ad litem and caseworkers in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 61-67.
    2. De Maeyer, Skrallan & Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Vanschoonlandt, Femke & Robberechts, Marijke & Van Holen, Frank, 2014. "Motivation for foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 143-149.
    3. Bright, Melissa A. & Shovali, Tamar E. & Cooper, Alysha, 2016. "Reasons for discontinued service among Guardians ad Litem," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 230-236.
    4. Tay K. McNamara & Ernest Gonzales, 2011. "Volunteer Transitions Among Older Adults: The Role of Human, Social, and Cultural Capital in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(4), pages 490-501.
    5. Whenan, Rachel & Oxlad, Melissa & Lushington, Kurt, 2009. "Factors associated with foster carer well-being, satisfaction and intention to continue providing out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(7), pages 752-760, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Haarberg, Frøydis Lønborg, 2024. "What do we know about children’s representation in child protection decisions? A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    2. Ryan Cooper & Joseph Doyle & Andres Hojman, 2023. "Legal aid in child welfare: Evidence from a randomized trial of Mi Abogado," POID Working Papers 077, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.

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