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Guardian ad Litem celebrates 30 years of service to children

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Thirty years of giving children a voice in court were celebrated Wednesday when the Guardian ad Litem program held its milestone birthday on the lawn of the Courthouse Annex.

City officials, judges, volunteers and program organizers were among the almost 400 people who joined the celebration. Since its creation, Guardian ad Litem volunteers and program staff have represented abused, abandoned and neglected children in the dependency system by making independent investigations that lead to court recommendations.

“I think it’s really a great recognition of the contributions the Guardian ad Litem program has made to the community and the children they represent,” said Mary Ann Anderson, board president of the program.

Jacksonville Jaguars center and program volunteer Brad Meester was honored during the event.

“It is nice, but it’s an honor to be able to spend some time with these kids each month,” said Meester. “They’re terrific children who are just going on hard times.”

Guardian ad Litem supervising attorney Hilary Creary was grateful for the turnout and the support.

“It’s a great day,” said Creary. “There are no words to describe how I feel.”

The Fourth Judicial Circuit has about 250 program volunteers, but 800 people are needed to fully represent all the children in the system.

“Standing here 30 years from now, I want those 800 people and more,” she said.

dchapman@baileypub.com

356-2466