The Guardian ad Litem program is seeking volunteers to serve as advocates for abused or neglected children.
The program is looking for volunteers in Hernando and Citrus counties. They'll be trained to advocate for children who are in the court system.
The guardian ad litem will become familiar with a child's case and make recommendations to help ensure a safe, stable home for the child.
Marcia Hilty, the circuit director for the GAL program for the 5th Judicial Circuit, said about 600 children in Hernando and Citrus counties have been removed from their homes.
"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," she said.
Program officials say children whose cases have been assigned to guardian ad litems tend to spend less time in foster care and do better in school. There are currently more children in the system than volunteers to serve them.
To volunteer, you must:
- Be 21 years of age and older (although adults between 19 and 21 are eligible to work alongside a volunteer guardian ad litem);
- Successfully complete the pre-service training program;
- Be cleared of any serious criminal history via a Level II criminal background check.
Volunteers must complete 30 hours of service training. On average, volunteers can expect to spend 5-10 hours a month on a case, and most cases last 10 months.
Volunteers are part of a team, including a volunteer supervisor and a program attorney.
The next volunteer training will be held Aug. 28-29 in Hernando County. Volunteers must complete the application process before training.
To become a volunteer, contact Diana Hollwedel at 352-812-6971 or email Diana.hollwedel@gal.fl.gov. For more information, visit www.guardianadlitem5.org.