Guardian ad Litem Osceola - 9th Circuit

06/06/2026

05/18/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Often, children who are abused, neglected, or abandoned face significant hurdles, including mental health challenges. Consistent, caring adults in their lives help them know they are not alone and support access to the services they need to promote healing.

It is a time to focus on providing education and supporting those with mental health conditions. One of the most important tools is connection—connection to resources, to community, and to a network of support.

To learn how you can make a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned, or neglected child, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

05/18/2026

Celebrating Our Graduates

Today, we celebrate the incredible young people in foster care who are graduating high school and stepping into an exciting new chapter of life. Their journey has not always been easy, but their resilience, determination, and strength have carried them to this milestone. They have overcome challenges, worked hard, and proven that their future is full of possibility. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and cannot wait to see what comes next.

As these young adults prepare for life after high school, many will face that transition without the consistent guidance and support every young person deserves.

You can make a difference.

Become a mentor and help a young adult to navigate adulthood with encouragement, guidance, and connection. Sometimes, one caring adult can change the course of a life.

If you’ve ever thought about making an impact, this is your moment.

Step up. Show up. Be the support they’ll always remember.

Learn more about becoming a mentor, visit our website: www.guardianadlitem.org

05/13/2026

May is Foster Care Awareness Month.

Every day, children across Florida who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect rely on caring adults to help support them through difficult circumstances. Foster families play an important role in providing stability and a safe place during this time.

Child welfare involves many individuals and organizations, each with a distinct role in the process. Throughout it, the focus remains on helping children navigate challenging circumstances and move toward safe, stable, and permanent outcomes.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office extends its gratitude to those who step forward to support children in care and remains committed to representing their legal interests both in court and in the community.

To learn more about how you can help, visit: http://www.guardianadlitem.org

05/11/2026

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day from the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office!

You can give a child hope and make a difference. Learn how at www.guardianadlitem.org.

05/01/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Throughout the month, pinwheel gardens have appeared across our communities. These pinwheels serve as a visible reminder of our shared commitment to strengthening families and creating safe, healthy environments where children can thrive. They are symbols of hope.

Each day, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office works to support, advocate for and represent the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Children with Guardians ad Litem are less likely to re-enter the child welfare system and more likely to achieve a safe, permanent home.

While April is coming to a close, our commitment does not end. The work to support children and strengthen communities continues every day.

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

04/25/2026

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.

04/18/2026

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.

04/08/2026

Wear blue on Friday, April 10 in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Join the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office in raising awareness and standing in support of children, strong families, and safe communities.