Guardian ad Litem Osceola - 9th Circuit

08/29/2026

08/24/2026

🌟 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.

08/20/2026

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

08/18/2026

MAKE AN IMPACT.

Positive, supportive adults can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteers, who are integral members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team, build relationships with children, gather important information, and help the Office represent and support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community.

You don't need a legal or child welfare background to become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to prepare volunteers for their role.

Every person can make an impact.

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

Please share this post with someone who may be interested in getting involved.

07/26/2026

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.

07/01/2026

Having a supportive adult in your corner can make all the difference in achieving your goals.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Sandy Mullen's impact on one young woman has been truly remarkable. Through her unwavering encouragement and support, Sandy helped a determined 19-year-old reach an important milestone—earning her GED.

The journey wasn't without setbacks. After missing a passing score on the math portion by just one point, the young woman became discouraged. Sandy refused to let her give up, offering steady encouragement and reminding her that one setback did not define her future. Together, they celebrated this month as she passed the final section and officially earned her GED.

This achievement is more than a diploma—it's a testament to the difference a caring, committed adult can make in the life of a young person. With her GED in hand, she is now pursuing her next goal: a career in nursing and a brighter future.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is incredibly proud of this inspiring young woman and of Sandy for the perseverance, encouragement, and commitment that helped make this success possible.

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

06/29/2026

June is National Reunification Month
Reunification is the primary goal of the child welfare system whenever children can safely return home. It is a journey of healing, growth, and perseverance that often involves parents working hard to overcome challenges, strengthen their families, and create a safe and stable environment for their children.
Behind many successful reunifications are caring individuals who walk alongside children and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. As a Guardian ad Litem Office Volunteer, you can be that consistent person for a child—a caring advocate who helps represent their needs and their well-being
National Reunification Month is a time to celebrate families who have worked tirelessly to reunite, but it is also an opportunity to recognize the impact volunteers have in supporting children throughout that journey.
If you have a heart for children and want to make a meaningful difference in your community, consider becoming a Guardian ad Litem Office Volunteer and becoming part of the multi-disciplinary team. Your time, compassion, and commitment can help that families receive the support they need to succeed.
Together, we can help children find safety, stability, and hope.
Interested in learning more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Office Volunteer? Visit our website www.guardianadlitem.org

06/25/2026

06/20/2026

June is National Reunification Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the journeys of families who overcome challenges and become stronger together.

One Florida mother faced battles with mental health and substance abuse, ultimately losing her parental rights. Determined to change the course of her family's future, she sought help, engaged with community providers, and worked tirelessly to create a safe and stable home. Through sobriety, accountability, and unwavering commitment, she transformed her life.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Jim Eiffert became an important part of the family's support system. He connected the mother with resources, supported the older children through their healing process, and helped facilitate meaningful connections between them and their mother.

Rebuilding trust was not easy, but the family remained committed to the journey. Eventually, the children were reunited with their mother. With the advocacy of the Guardian ad Litem team and collaboration with child welfare partners, the court later reinstated the mother's parental rights.

Today, the family is fully and legally reunited.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is honored to witness stories of resilience, redemption, and hope. Sometimes, the most meaningful outcomes are those that once seemed impossible.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit GuardianadLitem.org.