Fulfill resolution to volunteer through guardian ad litem program in Sumter, Clarendon

If your New Years resolution is to volunteer in your local community, there is no better time to get started than right now, according to the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program.

The program is a division of the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy and is offering free online training to those interested in becoming a volunteer guardian ad litem in Clarendon and Sumter counties. GALs advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services. The next training for volunteers will begin Feb. 6 in both counties.

The vulnerable children of South Carolina need volunteers like you to advocate for them. Both morning and evening virtual sessions are available to help accommodate volunteers' busy schedules. 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.

Currently the Clarendon County GAL Program is serving 56 children, but there are only 13 volunteer GALs to assist. The Sumter County GAL Program is serving 111 children, but there are only 12 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.

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 Brandi Johnson, regional recruiter and trainer for the GAL program, at (843) 731-7622 or Brandi.Johnson@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.