Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office - Circuit Ten

08/27/2026

08/17/2026

As children across Florida return to school, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office continues to represent and support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteers are integral members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team who help build relationships with children, gather important information, and provide valuable insights so the Office can represent and support children, especially regarding educational needs such as tutoring or additional services. They also provide the encouragement and guidance these children need.

This school year, consider becoming the positive, supportive adult who helps a child succeed.

Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer at www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/17/2026

🌟 Did you know that a big part of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is making sure our children have the educational support they need to succeed?

Our team is dedicated to securing the necessary services and resources for these kids. We advocate in court for educational issues, including helping children stay in the same school for stability. Guardians ad Litem serve as educational advocates, collaborating with schools if a child requires extra services. They also partner with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation to offer opportunities like extracurricular activities or additional tutoring to help students excel. Our mentors engage closely with teens, discussing future educational and career goals and how to achieve them.

We truly understand the power of education! 📚✨

As this new school year starts, we thank all of our volunteers and staff who dedicate their time and efforts to help our children thrive.

To learn how you can make an impact, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/12/2026

At the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, we’re all about empowering the children and teens we represent to reach for brighter futures.

Take Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Larry Clarke who is opening doors for the kids he helps represent, giving them the chance to discover new interests and future paths. This summer, Larry made it possible for a teen to attend a flight academy. There was just one spot left, and he knew this was the perfect opportunity to boost her confidence and potentially launch a new career path. With teamwork and collaboration from the Guardian ad Litem team and other child welfare partners, she was all set for takeoff.

She absolutely thrived at the academy, savoring every experience. What once seemed impossible became a reality, and with Larry’s support, she now knows there are no limits to how high she can soar.

To learn how you can help children soar to brighter futures, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/11/2026

Thank you to Child Advocate Manager Sarah Honaker for her dedication to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office – Circuit Ten team!
Sarah began her journey with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer while attending college. She later became an intern, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Office's mission. After earning her degree, Sarah joined the team as a Child Advocate Manager.
In her current role, Sarah maintains regular contact with the children she works with, conducts monthly visits, and works alongside the multidisciplinary team to help represent and support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community.
Sarah's positive attitude, dedication, and commitment make her a valued member of the Circuit Ten team.
You can make a meaningful impact as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer. Every child needs a positive, supportive adult to help them succeed. Be that person.
Learn more at www.guardianadlitem.org.

07/29/2026

A consistent adult can make a lasting impact in the life of an abused, abandoned, or neglected child. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers spend time getting to know a child, listen to their needs, and build trust.

They work alongside a multidisciplinary team to help represent, support, and advocate for the child in court and the community. No legal experience required. You just have to have a heart to make a difference. Florida’s children are waiting for someone like you.

Through our free mini-course, you can learn more about the role, the commitment, and the next steps.

Take the first step today by taking the free mini-course at www.myflfamiliescourses.org

07/29/2026

Florida Guardian ad Litem Office – Circuit Ten extends a warm welcome to our July class of FOURTEEN newly trained and certified Guardian ad Litem Volunteers.

Our volunteers are joining a dedicated multidisciplinary team that provides quality, independent legal representation, and advocates for children in the community who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Trainer and Child Advocate Manager II Molly Harlow for her dedication in preparing and guiding this new group.

To learn more about serving children in your community as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer, mentor, or pro bono attorney visit www.guardianadlitem.org today!

07/24/2026

Finding a forever home can change everything. Just ask a young teen who, after nearly five years in the foster care system, finally found her perfect fit.

She and her four siblings entered foster care after experiencing significant trauma. Because each child had different needs, they were placed in separate homes. Throughout it all, their dedicated Guardian ad Litem Team worked to keep the siblings connected through regular visits while advocating for the support and services each child needed to heal and thrive.

Over time, the youngest sibling found a loving adoptive family, and three others were adopted together.

The oldest sibling's journey took longer. She faced significant behavioral challenges, but the Guardian ad Litem Team never gave up on finding the right family.

Recently, she was welcomed into an adoptive home where she was met with something she had long needed—patience, understanding, and unconditional love.

Shortly after moving in, she became overwhelmed and destroyed her bedroom. Instead of responding with anger, her adoptive mom wrapped her in a hug, reassured her she was safe, talked through her feelings, and simply asked that she help clean up afterward.

Later, the teen shared with her Child Advocate Manager:

"Y’all finally found the mom I always wanted."

Today, all five siblings are beginning new chapters with their forever families. Just as importantly, those families are committed to helping the siblings stay connected, making sure the bond they share continues to grow.

Every child deserves to find their perfect fit.

Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a volunteer, mentor, or supporter at www.guardianadlitem.org.

07/20/2026

You can be a caring adult who shows up, builds trust, and makes a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned, or neglected child. Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteers do not need legal or child welfare experience. They work alongside a team of professionals to help represent and support the child in court and the community. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides training and support so that you make a difference.

Florida’s children are waiting for someone like you.

Through our free mini-course, you can learn more about the role, the training provided, and the next steps to become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Take the first step today! Click this link to take the mini-course and learn more:
www.myflfamiliescourses.org

07/17/2026

🎉 Celebrating Milestones and Independence 🎉

Birthdays are a time for celebration, but for teens in foster care, they mark significant milestones on the journey to independence.

One remarkable young man is about to celebrate his 19th birthday, and his Guardian ad Litem Volunteers, Donna and Bill Griffin, will be right by his side. The young man has overcome significant challenges. This past year, he has confidently stepped into Extended Foster Care and embraced independence. With unwavering support from Donna, Bill, and his Guardian ad Litem team, including Attorney Daynica Harley and Child Advocate Manager Tara Banach, he has accessed vital job skills and resources to smoothly move into adulthood.

As he blows out his candles this year, he knows he won’t face the road ahead alone. Together with Donna and Bill, he will celebrate the promising years to come. 🌟

Find out how you can help a teen in foster care. Visit www.guardianadlitem.org.