What Happens When a Child Gets a Voice in Court? Inside CLC’s Custody Advocacy Program
The Custody Advocacy Program (CAP) is one of the most important child-focused presences in the courtroom. At Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC), CAP ensures that outcomes in domestic violence and high-conflict custody cases center on what matters most: the best interests of the child.
Through CAP, CLC attorneys are appointed by District Court Judges to serve as Guardians ad Litem (GALs) in qualifying cases in Forsyth and Guilford counties. In this role, the GAL provides the court with an independent, child-focused assessment of the family’s circumstances. Because CAP attorneys do not represent either parent, their advocacy remains focused solely on the child’s safety, stability, and well-being.
Rather than taking sides, the GAL conducts a thorough investigation and presents findings and recommendations to the judge, who makes the final decisions in the case.
How Guardians ad Litem Build the Full Picture
To understand what a child truly needs, CAP attorneys must develop a comprehensive view of the child’s life. GALs gather information from multiple sources, which may include:
Parents and caregivers
Extended family members
Teachers, coaches, and school staff
Medical and mental health providers
Social workers and other professionals
These conversations help the GAL assess the child’s day-to-day functioning, safety, and support systems.
GALs also review relevant records, which may include:
Educational records
Medical and mental health records
Court and criminal records where appropriate
Observations of home and school environments
By comparing information across sources, the CLC GAL works to identify strengths, risks, and unmet needs affecting the child.
What Recommendations May Include
After completing the investigation, the GAL prepares a report and recommendations for the court. Depending on the case, CAP recommendations may address:
Custody and visitation arrangements
Mental health counseling or trauma-informed services
Educational supports
Parenting education or family services
Substance use or other supportive interventions
The goal is not simply to resolve the immediate dispute, but to promote long-term safety and stability for the child.
Why CAP Matters
Children involved in high-conflict custody and domestic violence cases often face significant stress and trauma. Without a dedicated child advocate, their experiences and needs can be overshadowed by adult conflict.
CLC’s Custody Advocacy Program helps ensure that does not happen.
By conducting thorough, unbiased investigations and presenting well-supported recommendations, Guardians ad Litem equip judges with critical information needed to make informed, child-centered decisions.
Research conducted in partnership with Wake Forest University School of Law has shown promising outcomes associated with GAL involvement, including reductions in subsequent family violence in cases where a GAL was appointed. These findings reinforce what CLC sees every day: when children have a strong voice in court, outcomes improve.
A Voice When It Matters Most
In cases defined by conflict and uncertainty, CAP serves as a steady, child-focused presence. Each investigation, interview, and court appearance is driven by one purpose — ensuring that every child has the best possible chance to be safe, stable, and able to thrive.