Adults choose to volunteer for many different reasons, from making a difference in their community, meeting other adults with similar interests, and using their own skills and talents to help others less fortunate. In these difficult economic times, another reason has emerged: exploring new career choices and expanding the network so important in searching for jobs.

The Cherokee County Volunteer Guardian ad Litem program meets many of those needs for local residents. The program provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. The 30-hour training curriculum is provided by National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and supports the highest standards for child advocacy. The skills taught in the class include: investigation, communication, report writing, cultural competency and advocacy in the Family Court system. Students gain in-depth knowledge of the Department of Social Services, Family Court and South Carolina abuse and neglect laws. Volunteers study social problems within their communities, such as poverty, domestic violence, mental illness and substance abuse.

Once the training is completed and a volunteer accepts a case, they will find themselves interacting with many agencies within their community, including law enforcement, the school system, all aspects of the Family Court system, and other agencies that provide services to children and adults.

The experience gained by this “hands-on” type of volunteerism are very valuable to a person who may be looking at a career change. An abused and neglected child gains a powerful advocate and the volunteer gains community awareness, knowledge and compassion.

Volunteers can make a huge impact on the life of a young person who has been abused or neglected by their family.

To learn more about how to become a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, contact Kim Ellison, 864- 487-0145. You can read more information and download an application at www. Cherokee.scgal.org. Training starts Oct. 6.