Lamoille Restorative Center is the coordinating agency for the Guardian ad Litem program of Lamoille County (GAL). Guardians ad Litem are highly trained volunteers appointed by Family Court to advocate for children who are under supervision of the Department for Children and Families or involved in other family and juvenile court proceedings. GALs act as independent advisors and advocates responsible for helping children understand the proceedings, and provide information about the child’s situation to attorneys and judges to achieve outcomes that are in the child’s best interests. 

“Part of my role as a GAL is to be there for the child to explain the system, what is going on, and what is going to happen moving forward. I feel that society has a fundamental obligation to these children who are in these situations, most them at no fault of their own. It gives me a chance to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Craig Santenello- GAL volunteer