Florence's White finds second calling in child advocacy as guardian ad litem

FLORENCE — Jerry White retired from the intelligence branches of the Army and the federal government after 42 years only to discover that there was more to life than playing golf and fishing.

White saw an advertisement in the Morning News three years ago seeking volunteers for the guardian ad litem program. He went to the Florence County Guardian ad Litem program office to learn more

He discovered that children who are caught up in the foster care system face many changes in their lives. They are uprooted from their homes and families, sometimes changing schools, with many new people and experiences throughout their say in foster care.

“Florence County Guardian ad Litem volunteers can be a stable, positive force in the life of a child when everything around them is changing,” White said. “And with a Guardian ad Litem to speak up for them, the child will always have at least one person they can count on to be in their life.”

White’s goal is to make the children understand what is going on in their lives. He said children many times don’t know why they have been uprooted and separated from their families. He wants the children to know it’s not their fault.

“The family court judge depends on adults to determine the needs of what each child needs,” White said. “My job is to make sure their voices are heard in court.”

White’s first guardian ad litem program assignment concerned a week-old baby who tested positive for cocaine because the baby’s mother had been using it.

The mother was given the option of completing a drug program and keeping her child.

But she didn’t follow through.

“It took a year and a half to terminate the parental rights,” White said, “but the good news is that the baby was adopted.”

White said guardian ad litem program training has helped him become more comfortable to advocate for children.

And having a federal background has helped him learn more about the state system and what the guardian ad litem program program is able to accomplish through its child-focused advocacy.

“Everyone should become a volunteer because the children need them,” White said. “The community has to understand that there is no one there to be the child’s voice in court.”

The program provides a free, 30-hour training program approved by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates. The training teaches volunteers how to talk to children and young people who have suffered abuse and neglect.

Additionally, it teaches them what impact abuse has on the children’s lives and how to help them find a safe, secure home where they can grow and thrive.

White said Florence County Guardian ad Litem volunteers are trained to advocate for children as they journey through the foster care system. Many times, they are the only ones who stay connected with the children throughout that time.

Meanwhile, there will be a free introductory workshop Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. at First Citizens Bank conference room at 2009 Hoffmeyer Road. Volunteers and staff will be available to share their experiences and answer questions concerning the guardian ad litem program.

The telelphone number for the Florence office is (843) 669-7940. The website is Florence.scgal.org.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Florence County Guardian ad Litem volunteer workshop

WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: First Citizens Bank conference room, 2009 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence

COST: Free

INFO: Call (843) 669-7940

ON THE WEB: florence.scgal.org