Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2011

Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program

For more information, contact Cherie Walker at (864) 878-0861

Chief Justice Toal Recognizes Expertise of Volunteer Guardians ad Litem

On November 20, 2009, Supreme Court Chief Justice Toal issued an order citing the effectiveness of volunteer Guardians ad Litem in Family Court cases*. To paraphrase, she stated that the “South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program has the requisite expertise and resources to best serve the needs of children in abuse and neglect cases.”

The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem program was created in 1984. We were one of the first states to recruit people in our communities to advocate for children who have been abused or neglected. Our volunteers are everyday people who strongly believe that these children should have a “voice”! We thank Chief Justice Toal for the recognition and support of our volunteers, and the impact they have in the lives of the children they represent. This acknowledgement by Chief Justice Toal of the reputation, respect, and dedication our volunteers have earned is an honor and tribute for everything that they do.

In 2009, South Carolina provided volunteer advocates for 8,217 abused and neglected children. When a trained volunteer is not available, attorneys are appointed to represent the child. Starting July 1, 2010, the Supreme Court has ordered that attorneys will no longer be appointed as Guardians ad Litem for children. While this represents a considerable challenge, we feel this decision will result in better advocacy for abused and neglected children. As a program, we are firmly committed to providing all abused and neglected children with a volunteer advocate.

To meet the needs of our most vulnerable children, we are asking for your help. Our next training starts «soon». Visit our website at www.scgal.org or contact Cherie Walker at (864) 878-0861 today to learn more about our free training and how YOU can make a difference in the life of a child.

The South Carolina Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program is a member of National CASA. www.nationalcasa.org

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*https://www.sccourts.org/whatsnew/displaywhatsnew.cfm?indexID=600