Virtual GAL Training

Volunteers are need to help local abused and neglected children 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 Jan. 7. GALs advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services. Currently, the Chesterfield County GAL program serves 32 children with only three volunteer GALs to assist them. “Our volunteers serve as strong advocates, upholding children’s best interests and prioritizing their well-being,” said Jennifer Burch, director of the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program in a press release. “With every child served needing a voice, the call to action grows for dedicated volunteers to step forward.” 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 are available at gal.sc.gov or by calling Brandi Johnson, regional recruiter and trainer for the GAL program, at (843) 731-7622 or emailing her at [email protected].