GAL Online Training

Online training opportunity available for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem in Chesterfield County. The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, is offering free online training Oct. 28. GALs advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services. The Chesterfield County GAL program currently serves 33 children with only seven volunteer GALs to assist. While GAL staff fill in the gaps, the need for more volunteers is urgent. “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 a press release. Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous Department of Social Services case history and be able to contribute four to five hours a month for a child. More information about the program and application is available at gal.sc.gov or by calling Brandi Johnson at (843) 731-7622.