Guardian ad Litem 8th Judicial Circuit

04/28/2026

One person can truly change the course of a child’s life. Just ask Judy Boll, a dedicated Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Judy has served as a volunteer since 2018. Eight years ago, she joined a Guardian ad Litem team assigned to a newborn who had been abandoned and faced significant medical and developmental challenges. At the time, there were serious concerns about whether he would survive his first year.

Judy remained committed. She worked alongside her team, child welfare partners, and service providers to ensure his needs were met. She gathered medical information, participated in care discussions, and stayed focused on what would give him the best chance at a stable future. She also remained steadfast in the effort to help him find a permanent home.

That commitment made a difference. The child recently celebrated his eighth birthday — and just weeks later, was adopted by his forever family. Today, he is thriving, attending school, and enjoying activities like bowling. Judy’s dedication helped change the trajectory of his life.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers across Florida who give their time to support children in need.

Thank you, Judy, for your compassion, commitment, and for making a lasting difference in this child’s life!

To learn how you can make a difference, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/22/2026

Celebrating National Volunteer Week!

This week, we celebrate the army of Floridians who step up every day to make a difference through the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, representing the legal interests of abused, abandoned, and neglected children from all across the state of Florida—both in court and in the community.

Whether helping to represent the legal interests of abused, abandoned, or neglected children, sharing legal expertise as a pro bono attorney, or serving as positive role models who empower teens as they move toward independence, these individuals are making a difference and helping create a brighter future in their communities.

This week is all about recognizing and celebrating their incredible contributions. Throughout the week, we will highlight stories of the impact they have made in the lives of children and teens. While these stories offer a glimpse, they are just the tip of the iceberg of the impact our volunteers have across the state.

We are grateful for the time, dedication, and compassion they bring to helping represent, advocate for and support Florida’s most vulnerable children and teens.

Let’s take this week to honor their commitment and inspire the spirit of giving back.

Learn more about how you can get involved at www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/21/2026

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Month this April, we want to recognize and thank the dedicated mentors who give their time to support teens aging out of foster care and moving into adulthood.

Because of mentors like you, teens have someone to help guide them as they pursue their goals, build life skills, and take steps toward independence. Whether it’s preparing for a career, continuing their education, or working toward a dream like owning a business, your presence makes a lasting impact.

Right now, teens—like the young woman highlighted here—are still waiting for that kind of support. More than 160 teens across the state are waiting for a mentor to be part of their team and support them along the way.

Thank you to all the mentors who make a difference each and every day. Could you be the mentor someone is waiting for? Learn more at www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/10/2026

This April, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of raising awareness for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Today, our team is wearing blue to show our support and commitment to the children we represent—both in court and in the community.
We are proud to stand together in support of Florida’s most vulnerable children. Learn more about how you can get involved at www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/02/2026

As April begins, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time to reflect on the role each of us plays in the lives of children and families, and to consider how we can be part of supporting and strengthening our communities.

For children involved in dependency court due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect, life can feel uncertain. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is appointed to represent their legal interests — providing the court with the information needed to make decisions that shape their future.

How can you help?
👉 Learn ways to support children and families and help prevent abuse and neglect: bit.ly/3NRAeQp

👉 Join an army of thousands of fellow Floridians — volunteer and be part of a team representing a child in your community: guardianadlitem.org/volunteer

03/25/2026

One person can truly transform a life—just ask Lisa Dayan, a dedicated Guardian ad Litem volunteer.

Lisa began working with a teenager who entered care at age 15 after experiencing significant trauma. At first, the teen had shut down emotionally. Her grades were slipping, her behavior became more challenging, and she struggled to trust the people trying to help her.

Lisa understood that trust takes time. By showing up consistently and offering encouragement, she slowly helped the teen begin to open up about her feelings and what she had been through.

With Lisa’s support, the teen agreed to begin therapy. Today, she looks forward to her weekly sessions where she can talk openly, process her experiences, and learn healthy coping skills.

She has even found a new positive outlet—joining her school’s flag football team.

Thanks in part to Lisa’s steady support, this young woman is beginning to move forward with confidence and hope for the future.

You can make a difference too. Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer at www.guardianadlitem.org

03/25/2026

03/25/2026

This week, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office was proud to participate in 2026 Children’s Week Florida at the Capitol in Tallahassee.

Children’s Week brings together hundreds of children, advocates, and community partners to highlight the importance of supporting Florida’s children and strengthening families across our state. It is a meaningful celebration of Florida’s shared commitment to helping every child thrive.

Throughout the week, events included the Hanging of Hands, the Advocacy Dinner and Award Ceremony, Storybook Village, and Children’s & Teen Day.

During Children’s Day at the Capitol, our team hosted a table and had the opportunity to connect with visitors and share our mission to represent abused, abandoned, and neglected children. We met individuals inspired to step forward — whether by volunteering to help represent a child in the child welfare system or by choosing to mentor a teen aging out of care.

Are you ready to make a difference in the life of a child?
Visit www.guardianadlitem.org to learn how you can volunteer or become a mentor today.

03/25/2026

Children’s Week in Tallahassee kicked off on Monday night with the Advocacy Dinner & Awards Ceremony, where our own Bradley Gory was recognized as a 2026 Youth Advocate Award nominee.
The Youth Advocate Award recognizes young leaders across Florida who use their voices to improve the lives of children and families statewide. Being nominated is a meaningful recognition of Bradley’s leadership and commitment to advocacy.
Bradley is a member of CHAMPIONS, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office’s youth advisory council, where he shares his time in foster care to advocate for stability, support, and the opportunity for every child to experience normalcy.
Bradley was surrounded by his adoptive mother and fellow CHAMPIONS — Abigail Herrin, Amanda Russell, Amber Oswold, Angela Dawkins, Ethan DuRoss, Grace Brauer, Jose Morales, Lorenzo Morales, and Robert Hurley — along with our Executive Director Dennis Moore, all there to celebrate youth advocacy and leadership.
Congratulations, Bradley! We are incredibly proud of you and the entire CHAMPIONS team for using your stories to help shape a stronger future for Florida’s children.
To learn more about the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office and our CHAMPIONS, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

03/25/2026

Honoring Pro Bono Service Award Recipient: Russell “Jake” Dewberry

We are proud to recognize Russell “Jake” Dewberry, a 2026 recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, for his exceptional service to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office in the 6th Judicial Circuit.

In just two years, Jake has donated more than 150 hours representing children in foster care. One of his first cases involved five siblings who had spent years in and out of care. Working alongside a Guardian ad Litem staff attorney, Jake helped the younger siblings achieve permanency through adoption while continuing to support two older brothers as they prepared for adulthood.

Jake’s pro bono service demonstrates a strong commitment to using legal expertise in service to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office. His professionalism and dedication are deeply appreciated.

Jake received the award from Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes during a ceremony held at the Florida Supreme Court. We are grateful for his dedication and proud to honor his service.

To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, visit guardianadlitem.org.

03/25/2026

Honoring Pro Bono Service Award Recipient: Mary Doty Solik

We are proud to recognize Mary Doty Solik, a 2026 recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, for her decades of unwavering commitment to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.

Within two years of becoming a lawyer, Mary took her first Guardian ad Litem case—and over the past 33 years, she has continued to show up for Florida’s most vulnerable children. She has advocated for 84 children across 46 cases, donating nearly 1,000 hours of pro bono service in Orange County alone.

Mary’s pro bono service demonstrates a strong commitment to using legal expertise in service to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office. Her professionalism and dedication are deeply appreciated.

Mary received the award from Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes during a ceremony held at the Florida Supreme Court. We are honored to work alongside her and grateful for her lasting impact.

To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, visit guardianadlitem.org.