Florida Guardian Ad Litem 1st Circuit

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

Honoring Pro Bono Service Award Recipient: Jennifer N. White

We are proud to recognize Jennifer N. White, a 2026 recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, for her extraordinary commitment to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.

In just over one year, Jennifer dedicated more than 200 hours supporting a teen girl who had experienced significant trauma. Through the Guardian ad Litem Office’s partnership with the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Jennifer provided consistent guidance and support at a critical time, helping open doors to new opportunities and future independence.

Jennifer’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.

Jennifer received the award from Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes during a ceremony held at the Florida Supreme Court. We are grateful for her service and proud to celebrate her recognition.

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

02/04/2026

Honoring Pro Bono Service Award Recipient: Amy Thome

We are proud to recognize Amy Thome, a 2026 recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, for her extraordinary commitment to children represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.

Since 2017, Amy has been a steadfast advocate for Florida’s most vulnerable children. First as a Guardian ad Litem Office Managing Attorney and later as a dedicated pro bono volunteer, she devotes countless hours to representing abused, abandoned, and neglected children across Florida—often taking on the most complex cases and focusing much of her work on teens.

Amy’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.

Amy received the award from Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes during a ceremony held at the Florida Supreme Court. Florida Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Dennis Moore joined in recognizing the honorees at the ceremony. We are grateful for her service and proud to work alongside her.

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

02/03/2026

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.

02/03/2026

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.

01/26/2026

Join the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office this month as we recognize National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Human Trafficking is happening in our communities.

Prevention starts with Awareness, Education, and Support. Be part of something that matters!



If you know someone who needs help please contact National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP TO 233733.

01/23/2026

Pro bono attorneys represent children every day in Florida's dependency system. We are proud to recognize four individuals from across Florida who were selected as 2026 recipients of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for their extraordinary commitment to children who are represented by the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.

These honorees were recognized by The Florida Bar for their exceptional pro bono service, with awards presented yesterday during a ceremony at the Florida Supreme Court.

Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to give their time and talent make a lasting difference in the lives of children and teens navigating the dependency system. We are grateful for their service and proud to work alongside them.

Next week, we will be highlighting each honoree’s story and the impact of their service.

Please join us in congratulating the following award winners who are pictured here with Florida Guardian ad Litem Office Executive Director Dennis W. Moore and The Florida Bar President Sia Baker-Barnes:

• Amy Thome
• Jennifer N. White
• Russell “Jake” Dewberry
• Mary Doty Solik

(Pictured left to right: Russell “Jake” Dewberry, Mary Doty Solik; Sia Baker-Barnes, Jennifer N. White, Amy Thome and Dennis W. Moore)

01/20/2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that service is a responsibility we all share.

As we honor his legacy, we reflect on how purposeful lives can be shaped through service—particularly when that service is focused on children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Take the next step. Learn how you can serve children in your community by becoming involved with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office at www.guardianadlitem.org.

01/17/2026

: Mentoring is a two-way street.

As teens prepare to age out of the foster care system, having a consistent, supportive adult can make all the difference. Many people who choose to mentor find that sharing their own experiences, offering encouragement, and simply showing up brings new perspective and purpose to their own lives as well.

Those who mentor teens through the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office often reflect on how meaningful even the smallest moments can be—helping a young person navigate decisions, celebrate milestones, or face what comes next with confidence.

During National Mentoring Month, join the army of Floridians giving back. Step forward to support a teen aging out of foster care—and discover how mentoring can be just as impactful for you.

👉 Learn more and get involved at www.guardianadlitem.org

01/13/2026

💙 Wear Blue Day – Human Trafficking Awareness 💙

Wear Blue Day shines a light on human trafficking and stands in solidarity with survivors.

Human trafficking often hides in plain sight. Children and teens in vulnerable situations are at increased risk of exploitation, making awareness and education essential.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is committed to representing children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

To see how you can make a difference:

👉 Learn more about our work: www.guardianadlitem.org

👉 Explore the Florida Department of Children and Families Human Trafficking Awareness Toolkit for Parents:https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/HT-Toolkit-parents-2023.pdf