ROCK HILL - S.C. children involved in abuse and neglect cases in Family Court may suffer if the state fails to fund the Guardian Ad Litem program, advocates say.

The program has enough money to continue operating until the end of January, and the governor's office is trying to find a way to keep it running.

State law requires children be given representation. The program served 8,657 children statewide in 2002, program spokeswoman Betsy Chapman said.

The program has paid administrative staff in all 16 judicial circuits and provides training and administrative support for volunteers.

York County Family Court Judge Henry Woods said judges may have to appoint lawyers if that is the only alternative.

"The burden will fall to the private bar," Stacy Lewis, a Rock Hill lawyer who helped lead a fight in 2001 for reform of a paid guardian ad litem system in Family Court. "Guardians do home visits and school visits. Cases can go on for two, three, even four years. This is a lot different from just showing up for court."

Beverly Prochaska of Lake Wylie has volunteered to represent children for almost 10 years. She said the children will suffer if the program is ended.

"If you are in this program, you see how useful it is for these children who need us," Prochaska said. "We do the investigating. We file reports that judges use. The judges need to make a bigger voice."

Abuse and neglect cases typically pit the Department of Social Services against accused parents. The cases are complex and time consuming, said lawyer Spratt White, who is chief counsel for Comporium Communications.

As a lawyer in the York County Bar Association, White has been appointed a guardian. He also has been appointed lawyer for guardians.

"Of the lay guardians that I have been in contact with, they have for the most part done a good and thorough job," White said. "DSS might be right, but the parents might be right. It is important that the child's interest be cared for. That is where the guardians come in."

Some private lawyers have been appointed guardians in York County because there were not enough volunteers. Also, there are paid guardian slots for York, Chester and Lancaster counties that are unfilled after resignations.

Rep. Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, said he thinks the governor's office will find a solution before January.

"We will be able to work through this," Simrill said. "What this program provides is invaluable for children and families. This is not a want. This is a need."

R-Rock Hill