New coordinator is chosen for Darlington County Guardian ad Litem program
Margaret Chapman. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Margaret Chapman is the new coordinator for the Darlington County Guardian ad Litem program. A native of Darlington, she resides in Society Hill with her husband, Dewey, and their children Mackenzie (14), Ansley (14), Teagan (10) and LJ (5). She is a graduate of Coker College (2014), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. Prior to joining the Guardian ad Litem program as Program Coordinator II for Darlington County, she served as an adoption/foster care case manager for the S.C. Department of Social services for six years. Darlington County residents who are concerned about child abuse and neglect victims can get involved now. If you are over 21 and can give four to five hours a month of your time for a child, you can change a child’s life. Those interested in participating in this training are encouraged to submit a completed application by Oct. 1. Visit http://gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application. The Guardian ad Litem program was founded in 1984 and holds free training courses throughout the state at various times during the year to teach community volunteers how to advocate as Guardians ad Litem for abused and neglected children who have are involved in family court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services. 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, remaining on each case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. The GAL Program is a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy (DCA). Contact Chapman at the Darlington County Office at 843-383-2333 to learn more about this volunteer and training opportunity.
