Lexington County Guardian ad Litem Program Welcomes Newly Sworn-In Volunteers

Lexington, SC 03/27/2026 - The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy,  is proud to announce the swearing‑in of new volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Lexington County.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Trenay Dukes, Alicia Lyles, Ser’Cora Wright, Tammy Chapman, Janice Keisler, Alexis Burns, Cecilia McLendon, Elizabeth Gordley, Marilyn Burkart, Tanesha Reese, Leonard Cabe, and Tara Watts took an oath to provide a voice for abused and neglected children involved in family court legal proceedings. The ceremony took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Lexington County Family Court House and was presided over by the Honorable Robert E. Newton. 

These newly appointed GAL volunteers have completed the required training and now join other dedicated Lexington County community members who are advocating for children in the family court system.Their role is to ensure that every child they serve has a voice and that their best interests are represented before the court.

“We’re always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about advocating for children,” says Richard Fowler, regional recruiter, and trainer for the GAL program.  “If you are interested in learning how you can change a child’s story, we encourage you to visit gal.sc.gov to learn more.” 

Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of their time for a child. Free training is provided to all volunteers. The next training classes begins on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

For more information on becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, contact Richard Fowler at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov or visit gal.sc.gov.

Cutline for attached photo: Newly sworn‑in Guardian ad Litem volunteers stand with The Honorable Robert E. Newton following the Lexington County swearing‑in ceremony on March 13, 2026. Pictured are Trenay Dukes, Alicia Lyles, Ser’Cora Wright, Tammy Chapman, Janice Keisler, Alexis Burns, Cecilia McLendon, Elizabeth Gordley, Marilyn Burkart, Tanesha Reese, Leonard Cabe, and Tara Watts.