Staff Report Each year in North Carolina, more than 39,000 abused and neglected children need advocates in court. About one out of 100 children in the state are neglected or abused. These children need someone who will look into their unique situation and represent their best interest in legal matters. The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has been providing these volunteers for over 30 years since 1983, and helps over 15,000 children each year. About 5,300 Guardian ad Litem volunteers donate almost half a million hours of volunteer service annually across every county of North Carolina. Their volunteer work saves the state about $11 million each year. However, because there is such a great demand for these volunteers, more are always needed.