2012 is off to a great start. Our February luncheon featured a presentation by Gayle Johnson on the Guardian ad Litem program.
Gayle emphasized that anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). GALs can come from any walk of life. They receive special training to allow them to speak for abused or neglected children in court. Their role can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.
Any time that the Department of Social Services (DSS) becomes involved in a case, a GAL is assigned for minor children. DSS' ultimate goal is to reunify families. They form treatment plans for parents to follow that are meant to bring the family back together. During hearings however, huge decisions are made in a matter of 15 minutes. Without the voice of the GAL, the children would be likely forgotten in this process. Gayle stated that the opinion of the GAL is held in very high esteem.
The skills of a paralegal can translate very well into a GAL role. Gayle's GAL duties take about 4 hours of her time at a minimum. A GAL is allowed to pick their own cases after an initial 30 hours of training. They are allowed to take one or a thousand cases. Gayle encouraged those interested to check out the program. For Greenville County, GAL classes begin April 2nd. Those interested can check out http://www.greenville.scgal.org/ or can contact Patty Dellinger, coordinator, at 864-467-5862 or GALGreenville@oepp.sc.gov.
In other news, the pro bono committee is actively planning SCUPA's participation in Hands on Greenville day on May 5, 2012. Additional details about the type of project we will be working on will be forthcoming. HOG day is a fun way to get involved in our community. The pro bono committee will also be working on projects to support A Child's Haven, Harvest Hope, Let There Be Mom, and Safe Harbor throughout the year.
Anyone interested in participating any committees this year may contact Barbara Spearman.
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