How Florida鈥檚 Guardian ad Litems Build Trust, Bond with Youth in Foster Care
Florida Atlantic UniversityResearch shows that stronger relationships with Guardian ad Litems (GALs) improve outcomes for youth, but little is known about how GALs perceive and manage these relationships. To address this, researchers surveyed 555 GALs statewide to explore how they engage with youth, the dynamics of these relationships, and the role of training in building and maintaining them. A key finding was the critical role trust plays in these relationships and the understanding that these relationships take time to develop.