Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program is seeking community members to serve as volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The program’s next free online training course begins Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Additional training sessions will be offered every four weeks.
Volunteer guardians ad litem are trained to advocate for the best interests of children involved in Family Court proceedings. Their work helps ensure children have an advocate focused on their safety, stability and path toward a permanent home.
Morning and evening virtual training sessions will be available. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and have no prior history with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
The application deadline for the Oct. 12 training is Tuesday, Sept. 29.
For more information, contact Richard Fowler, regional recruiter and trainer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov.
