Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida, Inc. (VFK) supports the 20th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program–Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Florida Law requires a Guardian ad Litem child advocate be appointed for every abused, neglected and abandoned child who is involved in the Dependency System (FS 39.822). Volunteers are appointed by the Dependency Court through the Guardian ad Litem Program to stand up for the child’s best interests in court, the child welfare system and the community. Although Floirda law requires appointment of a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, State funding is not provided for recruiting, training, and retaining these important community liaisons.

Additionally, Guardian ad Litem child advocates often recognize children’s individual needs unable to be unmet by relative or foster caregivers, child welfare, or other agencies. Through grants, individual donations, sponsorships and events, VFK raises the funds necessary to address Southwest Florida’s most vulnerable children’s important unfunded and unmet needs.

VFK and partner, the 20th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program, are members of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) organization. CASA is a national network of 955 member programs which recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children.