The mission of the Hamilton County Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program is to advocate for the best interest of children involved in court proceedings in Hamilton County, Indiana, Courts.
The Hamilton County Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program began in May 1998. The original director and founder of the Hamilton County Program is Joan Lawrence, a resident attorney. Joan's idea for Hamilton County was to have a cooperative effort between attorneys in the Hamilton County Bar Association and trained volunteers -- the model still utilized today.
GAL Programs and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Programs operate throughout the state of Indiana and the United States. They were initiated by a judge in the state of Washington in 1979 who noted that in many court proceedings involving juveniles, all parties had an opportunity for representation except for the child. GAL and CASA Programs have grown out of an effort to provide representation to children in court proceedings.
In Hamilton County, Courts are appointing GALs in a broad variety of cases including guardianship, paternity, divorce and juvenile delinquency cases. Additionally, GALs are appointed in cases involving children in need of services -- cases initiated by the Hamilton County Division of Family and Children when a child is alleged to be neglected or abused.
The GAL volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Court -- going places where Judges cannot go. They are also the voices of the children.
Funding for the Hamilton County GAL Program is primarily by Hamilton County, with additional financial support from grants. In some cases, parties may be required to reimburse the GAL Program for services rendered. In all cases, the Court can require the parties to pay a user fee.
If you have any additional questions about the Program please contact us by using the information below. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit the "Become a Volunteer" page of our website.
| Mailing Addresses: |
Shelley Hiles Haymaker, Director Hamilton County GAL Program 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 364 Noblesville, IN 46060 |
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| OR | ||
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Shelley Hiles Haymaker,
Director Hamilton County GAL Program 124 N. Tenth Street, Suite A Noblesville, IN 46060 |
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| Phone: | (317) 776-0480 | |
| Fax: | (317) 773-2766 | |
| E-mail: | Shelley Hiles Haymaker |
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