Support Child Advocacy
Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Guardian ad Litem volunteers are everyday citizens who believe in helping our community one child at a time.
An abused, neglected, or abandoned child’s life is complex…and so is the legal and social service system which comes with a child being removed from the home. Every child needs a Guardian ad Litem volunteer to speak up and help navigate the maze, all the time using the child’s best short and long term interests as the map, and having a permanent family as the goal. Becoming a good child advocate doesn’t just happen—it requires initial and ongoing training and support.
Every Guardian ad Litem volunteer is required to complete 30 hours of training before being assigned a child, and to complete online and follow up training during the first year of volunteering. After the first year, a minimum of six hours of Program training on relevant subjects is required during each year of service.
Volunteers have staff support, but with this challenging work, they also benefit from sharing stories with each other and being mentored by more experienced advocates…and receiving much deserved recognition for their important work!
It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love!
–James J. Seals, 20th Circuit Dependency Court Judge
Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Certification Ceremony
By contributing to our Child Advocacy Fund, you can help ensure a well-trained Guardian ad Litem volunteer is ready and waiting when a child needs an advocate, and volunteers have all the tools they need to help local children.
