Under the Aegis: Training, Mentorship and Radical Candour as a Guardian ad Litem

Explore how TIGALA Guardians ad Litem stay at the forefront of child advocacy through continuous training, peer mentorship, and innovative child advocacy practices like 'Radical Candour'.

In her role as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) with TIGALA, Val Kerr reflects on the importance of continuous professional development and mentorship within our agency. At TIGALA, Guardians ad Litem are supported with regular training sessions, peer mentorship, and a commitment to staying current with the latest research and best practices.

Val emphasises that monthly training is an integral part of the ongoing professional development for all Guardians. These sessions ensure they remain up to date with the most recent advancements in areas such as developmental trauma, sensory attachment, and children's rights. “Every day is a school day,” Val explains, highlighting the significance of learning in the field of child advocacy.

The practice of 'Radical Candour' is something that, as Guardians, we would use daily in our job. It's about challenging directly while caring personally, ensuring we don't skirt around the issue, but also delivering the message with empathy.

In addition to these training sessions, TIGALA has a robust mentorship system in place for new Guardians. When they start their work, they are paired with a more experienced Guardian like Val, who provides essential peer support to help navigate the complexities of the role. This collaborative culture ensures that all Guardians at TIGALA have someone to turn to for advice and guidance as they face challenging situations in their cases.

Radical Candour

'Radical Candour' is another example of a topic explored in TIGALA’s training, which Val notes has been especially useful. This practice, based upon Kim Scott's book of the same title, encourages delivering difficult messages with empathy while being direct and honest, a skill frequently needed as a Guardian ad Litem when working with children, parents, and professionals in the child protection system.

Through mentorship, continuous professional development, and collaborative support, TIGALA ensures that its Guardians are equipped with the skills and knowledge to advocate effectively for children, even in the most challenging situations.