Change a Life; Make a Difference: South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program is seeking Guardian ad Litem Volunteers in Charleston County (Be an advocate for a child that needs you right now)

Now more than ever, the children of the Lowcountry need you.  Your kindness, perspective and care can save hundreds of lives in our own community.

Are you the type of person that is:

• Compassionate and have a desire to help children
• Willing to commit 4-6 hours a month to your child
• Have strong communication skills
• Willing to go through an in-depth training program
• Able to pass an extensive background check
• Over the age of 21

Most importantly, want to help give children a better life…

Click Here to Express Interest and Learn More

If you need more reasons, read some of these personal testimonials.  They are raw with spirit and compassion and each tells a very personal story.

Tell me a little bit about yourself:

“My husband and I moved to Folly Beach nearly three years ago after managing successful careers in Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC. I am blessed to have been married to my husband Billy for nearly 37 years with one son and two amazingly wonderful grandsons. I served in a variety of leadership roles at Bank of America for 30 years followed by three years at the McColl School of Business before making the move back to South Carolina. I had long had an interest in serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) after I shifted out of my corporate career, and I was pleased to learn that I did not have to be an attorney to serve the children of Charleston County as a GAL.”

How long have you been a volunteer GAL?

“Two years”

What was your first impression of the GAL program?

“That an independent and unconstrained view of a child’s best interests is incredibly valuable to advance the best interests of each child. I was also amazed by the breadth of content in the training, but much on-going learning takes place after the formalized training. I remain awed by the commitment and kindness of my fellow volunteers and the GAL staff.”

What was your impression of the training?

“I was so grateful for the perspective of the former Charleston GAL director who delivered our training and challenged us to see each situation independent from other cases. She was also very deft in getting us to recognize our personal biases and what potential circumstances would be difficult for us to remain objective in evaluating the potential for family reunification.”

What has surprised you most about working on your case(s)?

“I have been delightfully surprised at the quality and caring of the foster families I have worked with.”

What do you find most challenging about being a volunteer guardian ad litem? 

“The thing I find most challenging is trying to determine the “truth” in each situation as each family member involved in the case is emotionally connected and perhaps even drained during the process which can extend for long periods of time. Individual views of “facts” can differ wildly between family members and their actions can be selfish versus what is truly best for the child.”

How did the outcome of your first case make you feel?

“Awesome — a family member came forward with an open heart and home to say they would care for the child for a short period or forever. I was initially sad that the biological mother couldn’t break her addiction to drugs and seemingly had no interest in her child. But once I accepted her decision, the best alternative to find a family placement was possible. After being adopted, the child is absolutely thriving in the new home and even has a little brother. The family shares pictures of the child, and it makes my heart sing to see this little one grow up with absolute love.”

What do you wish other people knew about becoming a volunteer?

“It can be emotionally draining and can be demanding to truly do the job properly, but the GAL staff and attorneys are there to support you to do the best job possible for the children you serve. Doesn’t every child deserve the best environment to grow, learn and thrive? Won’t we have a better community if each of us does something to break the cycles of illiteracy, drug addiction and violence?”

Why did you choose to be a volunteer GAL versus other opportunities (foster parenting, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, etc.)? 

“Problem-solving skills are a requisite. I had those skills, the time and the passion to fight for the children who needed someone to fight for them. It feels like a bigger commitment to build a relationship with the child, but then also interact with the extended family and family services’ professionals.  It just felt right that it was a tremendous challenge, and I believed myself capable to meet the challenges.”

Tell me about some of the people you’ve met while working as a volunteer

“First, my GAL staff coordinators have been amazing partners to help me learn and dissect different scenarios. I couldn’t serve children effectively without them. Second, the GAL attorneys are so dedicated and help me learn how to prepare for and represent my children in the various Family Court hearings. Lastly, I have had the honor to work with two amazing case workers who were professional, collaborative and totally operated with the best interests of the child at the top of their priorities.”

Tell me about the child who has made the strongest impression on you.

“Ahhh, there is this beautiful child whose mother used drugs while pregnant. When I accepted the case, it was clear from medical records and physical observation that the child was suffering from many physical issues. The child was diagnosed last year with a very rare lifelong, genetic disorder. Now, at almost 2 years old the child has started to walk, is always smiling and uses sign language to communicate. My heart and my spirit just lift every time I see the child, knowing that the family truly loves the child, as the child’s mother couldn’t break the bonds of drug addiction. The foster family encourages the child’s own path of development and has expressed a desire to adopt the child.”

What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about being a child advocate?

“A successful advocate should be:

1. Objective
2. Compassionate
3. Disciplined
4. Always put the child’s best interests first”

What might prospective volunteers be surprised to know about you?

“Perhaps that I find great joy and delight in serving the children I am appointed to – this is not a job; it is a calling to invest in others.”

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering but are still not completely sure?

“Don’t be scared to start – there are so many dedicated people to support you and if your heart and mind are open, you can do this.”

How would (someone) describe you?

“Ethical, disciplined and compassionate. A deeply loving Gigi to her grandsons with abundant love for her family and friends. Loves to laugh and enjoy the simple pleasures of living on Folly Beach.”

How would you complete this sentence?  I am for the child because:  

“Every child deserves a childhood of safety, nurturing and education.”

Photo Credit to National CASA