The Volunteer Advocates for Children (VAC) Program was established in 2001 as an extension of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program within the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. Established under the leadership of the late Susan Khoury, the program was created to strengthen support for pro bono attorneys and GAL staff.
From its inception, the VAC Program was designed to incorporate trained, non-attorney volunteers into the GAL framework to enhance advocacy efforts for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Early volunteers were often retirees, including former teachers, nurses, and law enforcement professionals. Today, volunteers continue to reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, most commonly including law students seeking to deepen their knowledge and broaden their exposure to various areas of law.
Initially, VACs followed structured visit guidelines, conducting home and case-related visits, and reporting their observations to attorneys to help inform court reports and case strategy. Over time, the VAC Program has evolved significantly. Today, VACs take on a more comprehensive and continuous role, often remaining with a case through to permanency and working in close partnership with legal advocates. This shift reflects a deeper level of engagement, allowing volunteers to build meaningful connections and provide consistent support throughout the life of a case.
The program also continues to prioritize ongoing volunteer engagement and sustainability through continued training opportunities, mentorship, and recognition efforts that foster long-term involvement.
25 years later, the VAC Program remains grounded in its core mission: to advocate for the best interests of children by promoting their safety, well-being, and access to stable, permanent homes. Its growth over time reflects both its enduring impact and its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child’s voice is seen, heard, and supported.