FAIRFIELD COUNTY – Volunteer Guardian ad Litem’s are urgently needed in Fairfield County to advocate for abused and neglected children. Free online training to be a Guardian ad Litem is available through a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy.
Guardian ad Litems advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services (DSS).
There are three free online training opportunities remaining this year beginning on September 3, 2024, October 1, 2024, and October 28, 2024.
Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of time for a child.
Currently there are only seven volunteer Guardian ad Litems available in Fairfield County to assist 19 children. In Chester, there are only four volunteer Guardian ad Litems serving 74 children.
The need for more volunteers is urgent.
“We’re always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about advocating for children,” says LaDara Depugh, Director of the South Carolina Guardian ad Litem program.
Visit gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application. Follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or contact communications@childadvocate.sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area.
Contact Sarah Schultz, Recruitment and Training Coordinator for the GAL program, at (803) 365-3379 or Sarah.Schultz@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.