Florida Guardian Ad Litem 1st Circuit

07/29/2026

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

07/24/2026

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.

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

🎉 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.

07/16/2026

Every child deserves caring adults who are committed to their well-being. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers are valuable members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team, helping represent abused, abandoned, and neglected children while building positive relationships and providing a consistent presence in their lives.

Interested in making a difference in the life of a child? Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer at guardianadlitem.org.

07/16/2026

The Value of Sharing Life's Moments

Having someone to share life's moments with can mean everything.
Recently, on a Sunday evening, Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager Aspyn Stewart received a call from a teenager she helps represent. He wasn't calling because he needed something or was facing a crisis. Instead, he wanted to share an important milestone with someone he trusted and relied upon.

He had just attended his school dance and was excited to tell Aspyn all about it. He knew she would listen, celebrate with him, and share in his joy.

This seemingly small moment speaks volumes about the relationship they have built. Through her consistent support and presence, Aspyn has helped create an environment where he feels heard, valued, and trusted.

For children and teens navigating uncertainty, having a caring adult to turn to can be incredibly powerful. His excitement to share this joyful milestone serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of building lasting connections that help young people feel supported every step of the way.

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

The Value of Sharing Life's Moments

Having someone to share life's moments with can mean everything.
Recently, on a Sunday evening, Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Manager Aspyn Stewart received a call from a teenager she helps represent. He wasn't calling because he needed something or was facing a crisis. Instead, he wanted to share an important milestone with someone he trusted and relied upon.

He had just attended his school dance and was excited to tell Aspyn all about it. He knew she would listen, celebrate with him, and share in his joy.

This seemingly small moment speaks volumes about the relationship they have built. Through her consistent support and presence, Aspyn has helped create an environment where he feels heard, valued, and trusted.

For children and teens navigating uncertainty, having a caring adult to turn to can be incredibly powerful. His excitement to share this joyful milestone serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of building lasting connections that help young people feel supported every step of the way.

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

07/02/2026

Another wonderful opportunity to connect with our community! ❤

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table during the Tabernacle Choir Watch Party at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer. Every conversation helps raise awareness about the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's mission to represent abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community, and the important role Guardian ad Litem Volunteers play as members of our multidisciplinary team.

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, a time to recognize the families who have worked hard to overcome challenges and safely reunite when it is in the best interests of their children.
While helping represent a sibling group involved in the child welfare system, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Jessica Dorsey witnessed the remarkable journey of parents who worked to overcome substance abuse. Through their commitment to services and determination to create a safe, stable home, they made meaningful progress that ultimately led to their family being reunited.
Jessica saw firsthand the love and dedication the parents had for their children and the lasting impact their hard work had on the family's future.
Reflecting on the experience, Jessica summed it up simply: "It's wonderful."
Today, Jessica is helping represent another sibling group and hopes their story will also end with healing, stability, and a fresh start.
To learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child, visit www.guardianadlitem.org

June is National Reunification Month, a time to recognize the families who have worked hard to overcome challenges and safely reunite when it is in the best interests of their children.

While helping represent a sibling group involved in the child welfare system, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Jessica Dorsey witnessed the remarkable journey of parents who worked to overcome substance abuse. Through their commitment to services and determination to create a safe, stable home, they made meaningful progress that ultimately led to their family being reunited.

Jessica saw firsthand the love and dedication the parents had for their children and the lasting impact their hard work had on the family's future.

Reflecting on the experience, Jessica summed it up simply: "It's wonderful."

Today, Jessica is helping represent another sibling group and hopes their story will also end with healing, stability, and a fresh start.

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

06/26/2026

Take our free mini-course to learn more about becoming a foster parent or Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.