Child Advocate Volunteers Sought for the Guardian ad Litem Program

The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is currently in desperate need of volunteers to be advocates for abused, neglected or abandoned children whose cases are in the court system. 

 A GAL is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of a child. The GAL becomes familiar with the child’s case and makes recommendations to help ensure a safe, stable and permanent environment for the child. 

“Over 2100 children in Marion, Lake, Sumter, Hernando and Citrus Counties have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. GAL volunteers make a profound difference in the life of these children by helping judges decide whether a child should be reunited with his or her family, remain in foster care or in the worst of circumstances, placed for adoption,” said Marcia Hilty, Circuit Director of GAL Program for 5th Judicial Circuit. “They make sure important services are provided. Simply put, a GAL volunteer makes sure everyone does what is best for the child.” 

Research has shown that when a child whose case is being heard in dependency court is assigned to a GAL volunteer, they spend less time in foster care and do better in school. However, there are more children in the system than volunteers to serve them at this time. 

Eligible volunteers must be 21 years of age and older (adults between 19 and 21 years are also eligible to work alongside a certified volunteer GAL), successfully complete the pre-service training program and be cleared of any serious criminal history via a level II criminal background check. A GAL must complete 30 hours of pre-service training. On average, volunteers should expect to spend 10-15 hours a month on a case, and most cases last 10-12 months. The volunteer works as part of a team, including a volunteer supervisor and program attorney.  

All participants must complete an application process prior to training. To become a volunteer in Hernando, Citrus or Sumter Counties, contact Diana Gisonni at 352-812-6971 or email diana.gissoni@gal.fl.gov. To become a volunteer in Marion or Lake Counties, please contact Amarilys Ortega at 352-343-2736 or email amarilys.ortega@gal.fl.gov.

For more information, visit www.guardianadlitem5.org
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