What is the difference between a volunteer Guardian ad Litem and a private Guardian ad Litem?
In South Carolina, volunteer Guardians ad Litem who are trained by the Program are only court-appointed to serve in abuse and neglect cases which are initiated by the Department of Social Services. Volunteers give freely of their time and operate under the direction and supervision of the Program, consistent with statutory guidelines and directives. Private Guardians ad Litem may be attorneys or other individuals who are appointed in contested custody cases and other private actions. They are paid for their time and are neither affiliated with the Program nor subject to the Program’s rules and regulations. Questions and concerns regarding the performance of a private Guardian ad Litem should be addressed directly to the judge and court having jurisdiction over the matter. For more information, click here.
