Under the Aegis: Empowering GALs with Peer Support and Mentoring

Discover how TIGALA’s Guardians ad Litem benefit from peer support, mentoring, and continuous learning. In our latest video, Ezara Regan highlights the importance of support systems, group support, and expert mentoring, showing how these structures enable our Guardians to better advocate for children and improve their practice.

At TIGALA, peer support and mentoring are integral to how we support our Guardians ad Litem. We understand the benefits this brings to our professionals, ultimately enhancing our ability to advocate for the children we are appointed to represent. In fact, peer support, mentoring, and ongoing development are core aspects of our Practice Principles.

There is something invaluable about being able to speak with peers, learn from their experiences, and grow as practitioners, leveraging their unique perspectives to move the needle forward for the children we support.

In the latest video instalment in our Under the Aegis series, Ezara Regan highlights the support available to Guardians ad Litem at TIGALA, which includes monthly training sessions on topics like trauma, attachment, and domestic violence. These sessions, driven by the needs of the Guardians themselves, keep everyone updated on the latest research and best practices to ensure that our GALs can best represent children.

“If there’s a particular topic we’re interested in, we bring it to our training officer, and a session will be arranged,” Ezara explains.

We have a fantastic mentor, Marie Gilmartin. She's always available to take a call, to have a chat.

In addition to formal training, mentorship plays a pivotal role in TIGALA’s culture of learning. Ezara shares how the mentoring program, particularly with mentor Marie Gilmartin, provides a support system for Guardians. “Marie is always available to take a call or have a chat if you’ve had a difficult visit or meeting,” says Ezara, emphasizing the importance of these conversations in managing the emotional challenges of the job.

Ezara also takes part in group support, held monthly, which is another vital part of TIGALA’s support structure. Through small group discussions, Guardians share ideas, discuss outcomes, and offer suggestions on overcoming challenges, such as accessing critical services like occupational therapy or speech and language therapy. “It’s always good to hear people’s views, and share ideas in how you can progress the needs of the children,” she adds.

The commitment to continuous learning, mentorship, and peer support is not just about improving practice but about ensuring that every Guardian ad Litem is fully prepared to advocate for the best interests of the children they serve.