What is the Guardian Ad Litem Program?
• The guardian ad litem program recruits, trains, supports and supervises volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who are alleged to be abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings. Best interest includes: preservation of the child’s physical safety and emotional well-being; permanent placement in a nurturing home environment that will foster the child’s healthy growth and development; and protection from further harm by virtue of the child’s involvement in the legal or child welfare system. A volunteer guardian ad litem (GAL) certified by the State of Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program represents the best interest of a child in cases where there is a dependency or termination of parental rights proceeding, the judge finds probable cause to believe there is abuse or neglect of a child, or in criminal court where the child is a victim or witness of child abuse, child neglect or a victim of a sexual offense or a witness to a sexual offense comm
