What is a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL)?
A GAL is a trained volunteer child advocate who helps abused children find safe, permanent, loving homes where they can thrive.

How do GAL volunteers advocate for abused children?
A GAL volunteer finds out what the children want. They learn about their families, their school progress, and their special needs. The GAL volunteer works with all agencies involved with the child, including the Department of Social Services, the Family Court, school and counselors, to help the child through this process.

May I volunteer if I have a full time job?
Yes, many of our GAL’s have full time careers, yet they have enough flexibility in their schedules to effectively advocate for children as well. You will need to attend Family Court hearings about your children, but generally you can arrange other interviews and appointments according to your schedule.

What is the role of the GAL volunteer?
The GAL volunteer helps determine if the best interest of the child is in staying with, or returning to, their parents or guardians; being placed in foster care; or being freed for permanent adoption. GAL volunteers provide Family Court judges with information about the child’s needs and desires. This helps the Court make sound decisions about the child’s Fall. The GAL then follows through with the case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

How is the program organized?
The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program is state funded and currently operates in 45 counties within the state’s 16 judicial circuits. We are a division of Children’s Services, Office of the Governor.

Who can become a volunteer GAL?

Learn about our free training program.

Download Applications in PDF or Word format, or call Nikki Owens at 581-0226 for more information and to sign up for classes.