Program seeks volunteers to help children; 1 new volunteer is sworn in

The Clarendon County Guardian Ad Litem Program is serving 64 children but only has 13 volunteers to assist. GAL staff fill in the gaps, but volunteers are urgently needed, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Child Advocacy.

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the S.C. Department of Child Advocacy, is offering free online training to those interested in becoming a volunteer guardian ad litem in Clarendon County. GALs advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services.

GALs represent the best interests of the child during court proceedings. This requires each GAL to visit the child monthly to learn about the child's wishes. They must also assess the child's immediate safety and conduct interviews with others involved in the child's life, including caseworkers, teachers, foster parents and family members. The GAL then reports this information to the family court judge at scheduled hearings, along with a recommendation on the best course of action for the child.

The next training will begin on June 24. Both morning and evening virtual sessions are available. 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 your time for a child.

"We're always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about advocating for children," said LaDara Depugh, director of the South Carolina GAL program, in the release.

One additional volunteer was sworn in this month. According to a news release from the program, during the swearing-in ceremony, Gayle Blackmer took an oath to provide a voice for abused and neglected children involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services on Thursday, May 16, at Clarendon County Family Court. The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Ernest Jarrett.

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.