The Senate Appropriations Education and Environment Division meeting on January 30, 2025, focused on the challenges facing the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program in North Dakota. Barbara Oliver, the program's director, highlighted significant issues related to staffing shortages, high caseloads, and inadequate compensation for GALs.

Oliver reported that the GAL program has struggled with recruitment and retention, losing 31 GALs since 2022, with many leaving after only a few months. The average caseload for GALs in North Dakota is alarmingly high, with some managing up to 50 families at a time, compared to 17 to 22 families in neighboring Minnesota. Currently, the program employs only three full-time and ten part-time GALs, with the supervisor and director also taking on cases, which hampers effective supervision.

The director emphasized that the low pay—only one increase in 25 years, from $22.29 to $27.65 per hour—has contributed to the difficulty in attracting qualified candidates. Many potential applicants are deterred by the lack of financial support for necessary expenses, such as office supplies and technology, especially as remote work has become more common. Oliver noted that the program provides only $50 per year for office supplies, which is insufficient given the rising costs of working from home.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of these staffing issues, as GALs play a crucial role in advocating for vulnerable children who have experienced neglect and abuse. The courts have recognized the value of the information provided by GALs in making informed decisions for families.

In conclusion, Oliver urged for a significant budget increase to address these challenges, stating that the current operational model is unsustainable. The meeting underscored the urgent need for reforms to improve the GAL program's effectiveness and ensure that it can continue to serve North Dakota's most vulnerable populations.