What is a Guardian ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) represents the best interests of a child in a family court case by making specific and clear recommendations to the judge.

What is the difference between a volunteer GAL and a private GAL?

Volunteer GALs and private GALs both represent the best interests of a child in family court as described above. However their conduct is governed by two different statutes.

• Volunteer GALs serve children in court involved in abuse and neglect cases brought by the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
   
• Private GALs serve children in private cases such as divorces, typically when child custody and visitation are an issue. Private GALs are NOT a part of, regulated by, nor trained through the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program.

Learn more about the differences between volunteer and private GALs.

What do volunteer GALs do?

Volunteer GALs advocate on behalf of the child and the child’s best interests in court.  To do so, they must first get to know the child and everyone involved in the child’s life, including family, teachers, doctors, social workers, and others. They gather information about the child and the child's needs. The volunteer GAL then writes and submits a report to the court with their findings and recommendations, helping the judge make an informed decision about the child’s future. Volunteer GALs also provide a stable presence in a child’s life, remaining on each case until the child finds a safe, permanent home.

Who can serve as a volunteer GAL?

Volunteer GALs are people like you. Some volunteers work full time, some are retired, some are students, some are teachers, some are grandparents; but they are all extraordinary people who want to make the voices of abused and neglected children heard.

Why are there volunteer GALs?

In South Carolina, children do not normally go to court in abuse and neglect cases. That means children are not present when decisions about their future, including whether or not they return home, are being made. GAL volunteers bridge that gap and tell the judge what the child wants, without having to traumatize them in a courtroom setting.

How can I become a volunteer GAL?

You may fill out the Volunteer Inquiry Form. If you prefer to speak with someone, please contact your county office or call 1-800-277-0113 to learn more and get started.