A Pickens County foster parent shares about the impact of a guardian ad litem !
A Pickens County foster parent shares about the impact of a guardian ad litem who went beyond the call of duty and changed the life of a sibling group she served!
Our guardian ad litem, S, really is amazing, and now looking back, I am pretty sure that in those early days she was the glue that held our placement together. A couple of times we called the caseworker with concerns and she just asked, "So, do you want us to move him?" I really don't know what would have happened without our GAL. She did so much more than the required visits, reports, and showing up for the kids in court.
The main reason I love her so much is because back in the beginning when we were totally new to foster parenting and trauma parenting and had NO IDEA what to do with some of the kids' behavior, we would call her and she would come over and talk to the kids for us. It took us a really long time to build any sort of a relationship with a couple of our older kids, and we figured out pretty quickly that the caseworker didn't have time to help with behavior concerns even if it might have meant the placement failing. It may not be a part of official GAL duties, but several times S got us through some very difficult days. She persisted through ugly encounters at family visits and rejection from at least one of our kids, got to know them, and proved to them that she cared.
The relationship she built with them helped us tremendously while we worked to build one of our own. I know most GALs don't do this. It makes me wonder if more placements could be successful and fewer kids moved from home to home if more GALs stood by foster parents and the kids like S did. Our kids' GAL did more than come once a month, and back when they were in a group home, she would go and hang out with them--watch movies and things like that. She came over for the adoption, and I'm sure she'll be back to visit. It would be great if all GALs realized the impact they can have if they build a relationship with the kids.
What do GALs do?
GAL volunteers 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 what the child needs. Their recommendations to the court help the judge make an informed decision about a child’s future. GAL volunteers provide a stable presence in a child’s life.
Find out more here: http://gal.sc.gov/
Want to become a GAL?
In Oconee:
Catherine Neal, County Coordinator
80 Short Street
Walhalla, South Carolina 29691
Phone: 864.638.2267
Email: Catherine.neal@childadvocate.sc.gov
In Pickens County:
Allen Mayer, County Coordinator
140 West Main Street
Pickens, South Carolina 29671
Phone: 864.878.0807
Email: allen.mayer@childadvocate.sc.gov
In Oconee/Pickens:
Cherie Walker, Director of County Operations
Phone: 864.878.0861
Email: cherie.walker@childadvocate.sc.gov
