Gretchen Sewart: advocating for vulnerable children as a guardian ad litem
By Rachel Friederich, Serve Washington Communications
KENNEWICK--Every child deserves a voice, especially those navigating the complex and often daunting child welfare system. For more than a decade, Gretchen Sewart has been that voice, serving as a dedicated volunteer with the Benton Franklin Juvenile Justice Court's Guardian Ad Litem program.
A commitment to advocacy
Since 2012, Sewart has been volunteering as a guardian ad litem, representing the best interests of children involved in dependency cases. The children she advocates for are under the age of eight, and her role involves investigating their circumstances, gathering information, providing written reports, and making recommendations to the court.
Volunteering as a guardian ad litem is not for the faint of heart. Volunteers witness firsthand the heartbreaking challenges children in dependency cases and their families face. Despite this, Sewart finds deep fulfillment in her service.
"I feel really strongly about advocating for people who are troubled oppressed or vulnerable," Sewart said. "If someone can speak for the child so the judge can make a more involved decision, I think it's a great service for these children."
Making a lasting impact
Sewart has served as a guardian ad litem for 27 children over the past 12 years. Some of these cases have taken over five years to resolve, yet she remains steadfast in her commitment. In 2024, she served as a guardian ad litem for seven children, two of whom were successfully adopted into loving families.
A call to service
Sewart's motivation is simple: to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
"Maybe a caring adult temporarily made a positive influence in that child's life, and it will serve them better when they become adults," she said. She understands that the children she advocates for are often in difficult situations through no fault of their own. "Adults make decisions, and children have to live with them. Their voice needs to be heard, too."
For Sewart, the most rewarding moments come when she witnesses a happy ending-whether it's a child being adopted by a loving foster family or a parent overcoming obstacles to reunite with their child. She recalls one particularly heartwarming case where a mother successfully regained custody of her child after years of hard work and rehabilitation.
"It was really exciting to see that."
Her advice for those considering this volunteer path?
"The most important thing is a desire to help children," Sewart said.
Become a guardian ad litem volunteer
Being a guardian ad litem volunteer requires dedication, but it does not require a legal background. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete 21 hours of intensive training, followed by 12 hours of continuing education each year.
Volunteers advocate by gathering information, writing reports to the court and visiting the child's family placement, social workers, teachers and parents.
· Learn more about the guardian ad litem program: BFJJC Guardian Ad Litem - Benton County WA
