Each Alateen Group has Alateen Group Sponsors who are present at the Alateen meeting to ensure the safety of the teens in attendance and ensure the meeting maintains focus on the Al-Anon/Alateen program. Al‑Anon members who wish to serve Alateen in any capacity are required to participate in a certification process established in their Area. Once certified, the member becomes an Al‑Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS). Alateen Group Sponsors are certified AMIAS who give their time to ensure that the spiritual principles of the Al‑Anon program are shared with the Alateen group. (Source: Alateen Service Manual, pg 3)
Certification in the state of South Carolina requires the Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service to be at least 21 years old, have been an active member of Al‑Anon for at least two years, in addition to any time spent in Alateen, and complete a background check process. No person may be certified as an AMIAS, including Alateen Group Sponsors, who has ever been convicted of a felony, or charged with child abuse or any other inappropriate sexual behavior, or has demonstrated emotional problems which could result in harm to the Alateen members. For the complete list of requirements in your Area please contact your Area Alateen Coordinator. (Source: G34)