Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Recruitment
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Voices for Kids recruits volunteers for the Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
program. It does this through public service announcements, billboards,
other advertising and through its Speaker's Bureau.
To learn more about the GAL Program click here.
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Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Retention
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Voices for Kids helps retain volunteers by providing in-service
trainings, sending GAL volunteers to the State GAL Conference, publishing a
newsletter and holding appreciation events for GAL volunteers.
To learn more about the GAL Program click here.
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Programs to Help Children in Dependency
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Guardians click here to download the new Universal Request Form.
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Children's Special Needs
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Sometimes a child needs goods or services not covered by any other agency. This may include items such as medical expenses (dental, physical,
ophthalmologic),
safety (car seat), and hygiene items.
How to Request Services: Ask your Volunteer Supervisor if funds are available through any other source.
If not, GALS can download and complete the Universal Request Form by
clicking here. The form is also available at
the GAL and VFK offices. Upon receipt, the GAL Volunteer Supervisor will sign and fax to the VFK Office. Allow 72 hours (business days) for a response to an emergency request. Time required for completion of other requests varies according to the type of request and research involved. VFK will make every effort to communicate directly with the GAL on all requests and may also be able to offer alternative funding sources on denied requests.
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Tutoring
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Success in school is a critical component to the self-esteem and
long range happiness of a child. Children who have been moved from home to
home and school to school often fall behind. Individual tutors can help a
child who is below grade level in math and reading. After an initial assessment, tutors will provide up
to six months of in-home teaching.
Find It Fast: GALs should complete the
Universal Request Form located at the VFK office, GAL office, or on the VFK website.
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Access to the Arts
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For those children who have an interest in the arts such as music, art, dance,
or writing. This program provides opportunities for
children to become involved in alternate avenues of expression. GALs
should locate the proper class and ensure that the caregiver can provide
transportation.
Find It Fast: GALs should complete the
Universal Request Form located at the VFK office, GAL office, or on the VFK
website.
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Gymnastics
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A grant from the Mari-Rae Sopper Foundation provides an opportunity for
children to explore gymnastics from the beginner to competitive level.
Caregivers are responsible for transportation.
Find It Fast: GALs may complete the Universal
Request Form located at the VFK office, GAL office, or on the VFK
website.
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Beds for Kids
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Frequently, foster parents and relatives may need help in obtaining a bed for a child coming into their care. Beds for Kids often is able to supply new cribs, beds, bedding and even a teddy bear to help children have their own place to sleep and adjust to a new home. Availability varies according to demand.
Find It Fast: Call the VFK office at (239) 997-KIDS
(5437) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays to make the request. VFK will relay your request quickly to Cynthia Shafer, VFK
board member. If a bed is available, the VFK office or Ms. Shafer will notify the GAL and help facilitate the delivery or pick up.
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My Closet
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Extra new clothing (sizes birth through teen) in various sizes for children in dependency cases are available thanks to Dignity U Wear, Stein Mart of Fort Myers and
Anchor Blue.
Find It Fast: Call the VFK office at (239) 997-KIDS
(5437) to schedule a visit to My Closet. GALS may be accompanied by foster parents
to select clothes for children.
Note: Foster parents must be accompanied by the GAL to be admitted. (Foster parents for children coming into foster care receive a $50 clothing allowance. Each subsequent August prior to school opening, DCF issues $300 per child for clothing. My Closet is intended to be a supplemental program.)
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Happier Birthday Program
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Birthdays for foster children and children living with relatives need not go unnoticed! VFK has partnered with Publix Supermarkets to provide a children's birthday package including: decorated sheet cake, ice cream, party plates and napkins, balloons and a disposable camera so that the child can preserve precious memories.
How and When to Request: GALS should request
using the Universal Request Form 30 days in advance of the child's birthday. Each request should contain: name and address of the GAL requesting; child's name and date of birth; and case number.
FYI: Upon receipt, the VFK office will forward the request to the chairperson who will mail the GAL the Happier Birthday
Certificate in time for the birthday.
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Get Acquainted Gifts and Bags
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A small toy or gift helps a frightened child feel comfortable meeting his/her GAL for the first time. "Ice-breaker" gifts may be small stuffed animals and dolls for younger children and balls, books and games for older children. Sport bags donated by the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation to carry belongings are also available.
Find It Fast: GAL Office
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Baby Blankets
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Homemade blankets and afghans can bring comfort to young children alone and finding themselves sleeping in a strange bed. VFK coordinates with Project Linus to bring blankets and afghans to offer comfort for our youngest children.
Find It Fast: VFK and/or GAL Office
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