Typically June is a time when fathers are celebrated with a flood of social media posts, cards, gifts and special events. This can be difficult for foster youth, many of whom are without a father. Florida Guardian ad Litem Office male volunteers who dedicate their time and energy towards a child in foster care can positively affect their life. A male volunteer can fill a need in the child’s life during a difficult, traumatic time.
Many Florida Guardian ad Litem Office Volunteers are female. The need for positive male volunteers in the local community is critical. You may have experienced struggles as a child or teen, and there was that adult male, a teacher, a grandparent, or a coach who took the time to listen to you and provide you with the support and guidance you needed. You shared your joys and fears with the male figure. And felt stronger with his presence in your life during that vulnerable time. Children with positive influences in their lives are resilient and believe that they can accomplish great things.
Related: Help the Community — Volunteer with Hillsborough Parks
National research shows that children with a Guardian ad Litem have fewer placement changes. They also spend less time in foster care and receive more services while they are in foster care. Having a consistent, caring adult in their lives supports them in fulfilling their full potential.
What are Florida Guardian ad Litem?
The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office represents Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community. They do this through the collaboration of a multi-disciplinary team. This team always includes a Guardian ad Litem Attorney, a child welfare professional and hopefully a trained volunteer or pro bono attorney from the child’s community. The team provides legal representation while assisting the child in expressing their needs and wishes. Our unique approach allows us to support the whole child, addressing their physical, educational, mental, emotional, social, and legal needs. In 2022, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office represented over 36,000 children in Florida.
You can help, take action, and make a difference in a child’s life by joining the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Child Advocacy Team. Every child appointed to the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office is assigned a Guardian ad Litem Attorney and a child welfare professional. But not every child has a volunteer on their team. This is where you can help. Learn how to get involved here or call 813-272-5110, or sign up for a weekly online information sessions.