There are more than 5,000 children in South Carolina who are already experiencing tough times, including dozens in Oconee County who are in need of guardian ad litem volunteers.

These children have been removed from their homes because their families were not able to provide food, clothing, adequate medical treatment or a safe environment in which the children could grow. These children are now living in foster homes. During this holiday season when most of us are sharing a sense of thankfulness and giving, these children are feeling alone and forgotten.

The Oconee County ad Litem program provides volunteers to serve as advocates for these children when they come into foster care because of abuse or neglect. These volunteers find out what the children want. They learn about their families, their school progress and their special needs. Guardian ad litem volunteers work with all agencies involved with the child, including the Department of Social Services, the Family Court, school and counselors.

Children need volunteers to represent them throughout the year, not just during the holidays. A gift of four-six hours of time each month can make a real difference in a child’s life.

Last year, a shortage of volunteers forced the guardian ad litem program in Oconee to turn away more than 30 cases. This year, the program’s leadership has vowed to increase the number of children served. To accomplish this, more concerned residents are needed to volunteer.

“Our volunteers offer the best hope for abused and neglected children,” said Joanna Burns, coordinator in Oconee County. “They are the only participants in the Family Court system who focus solely on what is best for the children.”

Volunteers learn investigative skills, interviewing techniques, report writing and Family Court procedures. They are also trained in family dynamics and cultural diversity.

“When a volunteer Guardian ad Litem is not available to take a case, the children are assigned to a lawyer who can seldom spare the same amount of time our volunteers invest in the children,” Burns said.

“That’s bad news for the children and the community as a whole,” she continued, noting that abused and neglected children are 53 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents and 38 percent more likely to become violent criminals according to a study by the National Institute of Justice.

“Our volunteer guardians are in this only to help children,” Burns said. “The only pay they receive is the priceless satisfaction of helping to end child abuse, one child at a time.”

Call Burns at (864) 638-2267 for more information. The next training class begins in a few weeks.