The Guardian Ad Litem program in Brevard County needs you!
Guest Article
By Amber Olesen
VIERA, Fla. –
More than 30 percent of the abused and neglected children in the
Brevard County Court System do not have a volunteer guardian in their
corner. Now, more than ever, the Guardian Ad Litem program needs
volunteers to serve as child advocates.
Registration
is underway for volunteers who can advocate for abused or neglected
children and help prevent them from suffering more harm. Our 30 hour
training program, teaches regular folks with big hearts how to be a
child advocate, and begins March 15th at the Moore Justice Center in Viera. Regardless of where you live in Brevard County, there is a child that could use a supporter in their corner.
Guardian
Ad Litem means "guardian for the case." Therefore, a Guardian Ad Litem
is not a foster parent, legal guardian, or expected to provide a home
for the child. The children are the victims and Guardian Ad Litem’s are
the volunteers who find information, investigate, make recommendations
and report based on the child’s interest. Our motto is, “I am for the
child,” and we firmly believe their interest is our only interest.
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
Thousands
of abused and neglected children become the subject of judicial
proceedings each year in Florida. Their voices are often unheard, and
best interests overlooked in the complicated and overburdened adversary
process. Guardians Ad Litem are citizens who volunteer to become part of
a court program to represent the best interests of an assigned child.
The
volunteer Guardian Ad Litem is a representative for the child before
the court, social service agencies and the community. He/she also
protects the child during the family crisis, court proceedings, and
follows the child’s progress after the court disposes of the case.
Becoming a volunteer
You can champion an abused or neglected child and prevent them from suffering future harm. Please visit our website: http://www.brevardcounty.us/
Contact
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact:
Amber Olesen, Volunteer Recruiter
2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
GAL Program Office: (321) 690-6823
After Hours: (321) 680-7947
