Volunteer Description

The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program is appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, or abandoned children in foster care or under Protective Services Supervision with the Department of Children and Families and Families First Network. The GAL Program respects children’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets their best interests and assures that children’s best interests are represented in court at every stage of the dependency process. We work with children from birth to age 18, and sometimes until age 19.

No legal experience or social work experience is required. People who sincerely want to help children have the best chance at a safe, nurturing environment make excellent volunteers.


GAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 19 years old.
  • Submit photo identification and a completed application, including two character references.
  • Interview with a representative of the GAL Program.
  • Consent to and successfully pass background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, DCF Abuse Registry, and Sexual Offender Registry.
  • Submit fingerprints for additional background clearance.
  • Sign the Code of Conduct and confidentiality statement.
  • Successfully complete the formal GAL training.
  • Observe two hours of dependency court proceedings.GAL Tasks and Functions
  • Visit the child at a minimum of once a month;
  • Document all child contacts and important phone calls regarding the child’s case, and forward these to your Case Coordinator in a timely manner;
  • Gather and assess independent information about the child in order to recommend a resolution that is in the child’s best interest;
  • Obtain and review school, medical, and other records from service providers as necessary;
  • Interview appropriate parties involved in the case, including the child and caregiver(s);
  • Determine whether a permanency plan has been created for the child in accordance with federal and state laws and whether appropriate services are being provided to the child.


OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

  • Donate money to our fundraising nonprofit, Child Guardians, Inc.
  • Become a member of our fundraising board, Child Guardians, Inc.
  • Provide clerical assistance.
  • Assist in a volunteer appreciation event.
  • Find and write grants.
  • Assist in a fundraising event.
  • Put up posters and flyers in your neighborhood, business or church.
  • Arrange for a Guardian ad Litem speaker at your civic or church group.
  • Start a gift card drive for our children at Christmas in your workplace or church.
  • Start a school supply drive for our children in late summer at your workplace or church.

BECOME A GUARDIAN AD LITEM VOLUNTEER!

Four steps to become a Guardian Ad Litem:

  1. Complete the application at the bottom of the Volunteer page and interview with the Guardian Ad Litem Office (850) 595-3726.
  2. Complete eight-hour skills-building training.
  3. Complete eight-hour guidelines and process training.
  4. Observe two hours of court proceedings.

To volunteer now, contact our Circuit Director, Rose Ash (850) 595-3726, 1-866-341-1425, or by email.