Lexington County (WACH) — In South Carolina child advocacy departments and other groups are working to end the cycle of child abuse with volunteers known as Guardian Ad-Litems. However, in some parts of the Midlands, there are more children than volunteers.
Lexington County there are more than 100 open child abuse cases and only 56 volunteer Guardian Ad-Litems to help with them. Officials said at least 60 more volunteers to meet the minimum requirements. According to Guardian Ad-Litem recruiter and trainer Erin Petrella these volunteers are the eyes and ears of the court system regarding that child.” Some children move around from foster placement to foster placement,” said Petrella. “We meet with them every single month, they know we’re coming.
When a child is found to be a victim of child abuse or neglect first responders and social services workers are the first line of defense for the victim. Yet the hard work and dedication of Guardian Ad-Litems sometimes go unnoticed. According to GAL Cassandra Thomas, it’s a job that’s not for everyone. “Their life is in our hands,” said Thomas. “It’s a calling you know you must be sympathetic and empathetic.”…