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A safe, permanent home isn't something that a child should only dream about...
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Chesterfield County |
How a GAL Volunteer can help Emily:
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The first thing a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) will do is get to know Emily. The volunteer wants to learn everything possible about Emily so she can recommend what will be in her best interest. She will spend time talking to Emily, learning about her likes and dislikes, her school, and most importantly, about her family. The GAL also learns everything she can about why Emily is in foster care. After speaking with Emily, the GAL will speak to her teachers and counselors. Emily’s teacher tells the GAL that Emily has fallen behind in school. She has missed many days of school, never returns homework and was unable to stay focused in class. |
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| 44 Chesterfield County children were in foster care on June 30, 2007.* Our volunteers are ordinary people who do extraordinary things for these most vulnerable children. | |||
Next training session starts September 21, 2009. |
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Chesterfield County Volunteer |
The GAL will speak with Emily's family
to get their side of the story. Emily’s
mother tells the GAL that she has a substance abuse problem, but would
like to get help. She was afraid of Emily’s father, who had physically
abused her and the children. Emily’s
father tells the GAL that he is ready to give up drugs. He admits to
occasionally striking his wife and children, but only when he’s
angry. He would like to get his family back. |
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South Carolina Volunter Guardian ad Litem Program *Courtesy of SC Department of Social Services |
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