Guardians Ad Litem

What They Do

Guardian ad Litem volunteers speak up for the right of abused and neglected children. Guardians advocate in court and the community for the best interest of the children who find themselves involved, through no fault of their own, with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). See our brochure below for more information.

Download the Brochure

How To Become A Guardian ad Litem Volunteer

To learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, contact:
Diana Gisonni at 352.812.6971 diana.gissoni@gal.fl.gov or
Amarilys Ortega at 352.343.2736 amarilys.ortega@gal.fl.gov

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 the court to help ensure a safe, stable and permanent environment for the child.

Guardian ad Litem Newsletters

Happy Retirement to Marcia Hilty - Devoted Advocate and Warrior

The children and the Guardian ad Litem program in the 5th Judicial Circuit are losing a warrior. Marcia Hilty has been devoted to seeing that our children receive the best representation to advocate for them, the comforts and necessities they need on a day-to-day basis and assistance with their paths forward...

Vacant Positions

Click "read more" to see the job descriptions of these open positions that help children in need in your community.

Guardian ad Litem Program Prudential Davis Productivity Award

The Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program Earns the Prudential Davis Productivity Award for the 4th Consecutive Year

A message from Marcia Hilty, the 5th Judicial Circuit Director

Every day in the 5th Judicial Circuit (Hernando, Marion, Lake, Citrus, and Sumter county), hundreds of abused and neglected children become involved with our local courts because their parents are unable or unwilling to properly care for them. These children are no different from most children; they simply lack the care, safety, and protection of a stable, capable adult.

Guardian ad Litem Forms

Monthly Reports

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