Guardian ad Litem

Court appointed special advocate volunteer Guardian ad Litems (GALs) serve children involved in abuse and neglect court cases brought by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. 

In South Carolina, children do not normally go to court in abuse and neglect cases.  That means children are not present when decisions about their future, including whether or not they return home, are being made.  GAL volunteers bridge that gap and tell the judge what the child wants, without having to traumatize them in a courtroom setting.

To advocate on behalf of the child and the child’s best interests in court, volunteer GALs get to know the child and everyone involved in the child’s life, including family, teachers, doctors, social workers, and others.  They gather information about the child and the child’s needs.  The volunteer GAL then writes and submits a report to the court with their findings and recommendations, helping the judge make an informed decision about the child’s future.  Volunteer GALs also provide a stable presence in a child’s life, remaining on each case until the child finds a safe, permanent home.

Can you spend 4-6 hours a month to help a child?  Some volunteers work full time, some are retired, some are students, some are teachers, some are grandparents; but they are all extraordinary people who want to make the voices of abused and neglected children heard.

Training to become a court appointed GAL is free.  For additional information contact the Cherokee County Director, Melissa Parker, 412 Wall Street, Gaffney, SC 29340, (864) 508-6423, melissa.parker@childadvocate.sc.gov