The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program (GAL) is a community-wide partnership of advocates who provide desperately needed assistance for underserved children. Pro bono attorneys who represent these children are supported by GAL locally and on the state level.
“The Guardian ad Litem Program provides training to pro bono attorneys, and they have the support necessary to effectively advocate for a child. This type of work not only gives children a voice, but it also gives attorneys an opportunity to gain knowledge while connecting with the community in a very meaningful way,” said Alan Abramowitz, executive director of GAL.
“One of the most satisfying ways to make a difference in the life of a child is to volunteer as a pro bono attorney. The research shows that having an advocate in foster care will produce a better outcome for the child, including timely adoption, less placements, educational results, and every other measureable outcome.” These differences can and often do change the direction of a child’s life, and clearly our community is stronger because of GAL,” said Abramowitz.
Christine Meyer, supervising attorney for GAL in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, concurs with the value the program has for children in foster care.
“The entire staff at GAL supports the attorneys who are willing to volunteer time toward the legal needs of underserved children,” she said.
It has never been easier to get involved in pro bono work for GAL because of the many resources that are now available. Focusing on the needs of both the children and their respective pro bono attorneys, GAL has created an 8-hour training session that can be viewed by DVD or at the GAL website in the section “Conferences and Training.”
Pro bono attorneys can check out training DVDs or can simply view the video over the Internet from their home or office computer. The GAL website also has many other resources for participating attorneys, including statutory resources, recent case summaries, a practice manual and much more.
Recent changes in the law also make it easier to help children involved in the GAL program. With the passing of Senate Bill 1960, authorized volunteers may transport children to ball games, parks and other fun activities. The amended law is a response to the practical needs of children who deserve some childhood normalcy in their lives despite the difficult situation in which many live every day. The personal and professional rewards are great for the pro bono attorneys. The positive impact on a child’s life is immeasurable and long-lasting. For more information on GAL and to sign up to volunteer go to: flgal.org/support.html.
Attorneys interested in pro bono opportunities throughout the Fourth Judicial Circuit are encouraged to contact Kathy Para, The JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair, [email protected].