Guardian ad Litem Office - Circuit Seventeen

09/02/2026

🌟 With determination, dedication, and unwavering support, one teen is rewriting her future! 🌟

Child Advocate Manager Sharice Jean-Bart was assigned to help represent and support a teen. The teen, who was starting her senior year, felt anxious and overwhelmed, being a year behind due to past challenges and unsure if she could graduate on time.

Sharice sprang into action, providing reassurance and encouragement. Together, they met with the school, devised a plan, and the teen dove into it, working tirelessly and updating Sharice every step of the way. She dedicated herself to her assignments, often staying up late, never giving up despite the challenges. Sharice believed in her and helped her believe in herself.

When it came time for the standardized test necessary for her diploma, she missed passing by just two points. Though devastated, she didn’t give up. With Sharice's guidance, they worked on study strategies and tools to prepare for the next attempt. Sharice assured her that this setback didn’t define her future.

On her retake, she nailed it, earning her diploma and surpassing expectations. Everyone celebrated her achievement, with Sharice proudly by her side.

After graduation, they completed her college application together. They celebrated together when she got her acceptance letter. She's starting this semester. Sharice helped her secure a laptop from a local community partner so she can start with confidence.

With support, encouragement, and incredible determination, this teen has overcome every obstacle, moving confidently into her future with Sharice by her side.

Want to change a teen's life? Visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/28/2026

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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.

07/30/2026

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

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲- 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝟭𝟳 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is growing, and we’re looking for passionate, committed professionals to join our mission of representing Florida’s most vulnerable children.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆:

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Position # 21015641

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Position # 21013990

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Position # 21016023

🔗 𝗧𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆:
Search the position number on the State of Florida People First website (https://jobs.myflorida.com) to view full job descriptions and submit your application.

Help us make a difference, one child, one case, one community at a time. Email your mini application and resume directly to [email protected]

07/27/2026

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

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.