Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Lexington County offers free online training

Lexington, SC 04/02/2025 - In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, is offering FREE ONLINE TRAINING to those interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Lexington County.  The training will provide participants with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to advocate for children’s best interests in the courtroom and throughout their journey through the Family Court system.  There’s no better time to get involved and make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need of advocacy.

Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children and provide them with safe, loving environments. By becoming a GAL volunteer, individuals can directly contribute to ensuring that children involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services have a voice through some of the most difficult times of their lives.  So, take a stand for children who need someone to speak up on their behalf. Join a dedicated group of volunteers who are making a difference every day by advocating for children in the Family Court system. There is no better time than now to get involved and take action.

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“We are thrilled to offer this training during Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Jennifer Burch, Director of the SC GAL Program. “It’s a powerful reminder of the critical role we all play in ensuring that children grow up in safe and nurturing environments. By becoming a GAL, volunteers can truly make a difference in the lives of children, helping to ensure they find safe permanent homes as quickly as possible.”

Details of the Volunteer GAL Training:

 Date & Time: Begins April 29 th , Morning and Evening Sessions offered

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Location: Virtual Training

 Registration Deadline: Application Deadline April 15, 2025

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Requirements: 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.

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 Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the GAL program, at (803) 645-9956

or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.