As an active member of my community, I enjoy getting involved, and giving back every chance I get. This drive has led me to a new volunteer opportunity that I would like to share with you and encourage you to get involved in as well. I have always heard the term “best interest of the child” both in law school and in the practice of law, but I never actually knew how critical that term was until now. I recently finished my training requirements of the State of Florida Guardian ad Litem program, and have been certified to represent the best interests of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in judicial court proceedings in Palm Beach County, Florida. I am ready to give the kids in my community a voice. Below are the details with a link to the program’s website.
The Florida Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida’s abused and neglected children. Become a vital part of the advocacy team and discover how you can make a difference in a child’s life. GAL is central to fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s basic human right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers (GALs) are trained, court-appointed advocates for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. As of February 2014, there are over 1800 children in Palm Beach County involved in the dependency system with hundreds who still need a volunteer to Speak Up! for their best interests, to ensure they are safe and that services and needed care are provided, so that they can learn and grow in a healthy, caring environment.
