Becoming a GAL

The Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) may designate a person with relevant qualifications and experience as a member of the Guardian ad Litem Panel (GAL Panel) for a period of up to 3 years, with an option of being designated for successive periods thereafter.

Once a person is designated as a GAL Panel member, they are eligible for appointment as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in proceedings under order of a participating Court or Tribunal and at the discretion of DCJ.

Qualifications/experience desired

• Qualifications in social, health or behavioural sciences or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.
• Mediation, advocacy and decision making skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various professionals and family members.
• Basic knowledge of legal proceedings and the legal process.
• Knowledge of issues affecting children and young people, people with illness, disability or disorder which may affect their decision-making capacity.

Expressions of interest

If you are interested in applying to be on the Guardian ad Litem Panel, please email your expression of interest to the Guardian ad Litem Panel Co-ordinator at guardian-ad-litem-panel-co-ordinator@justice.nsw.gov.au.

Documentation required:

• Selection Criteria (PDF, 121.2 KB)
• a copy of your curriculum vitae, and
  
• confirmation that you have a current Working with Children Check, see the Wor​king with Children Check website. If you do not currently have approval, you can apply for this at the interview stage, however, approval is required before confirmation of any designations to the Panel.
  

If you have any queries, please contact DCJ by email at guardian-ad-litem-panel-co-ordinator@justice.nsw.gov.au.