Serve as a Voice for Children

More than 440 abused and neglected children are currently involved with Hernando County Courts. Most of them are younger than 12 and have been removed from their parents because of alcohol or drug addiction.

A guardian ad litem is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of the child.  The volunteer works as part of a team with a volunteer supervisor and program attorney. The GAL becomes familiar with the child’s case and makes recommendations to the judge to ensure they grow up in a safe, stable and permanent home.

Research has shown that when a dependent child is assigned to a GAL volunteer, they spend less time in foster care and do better in school. They are more likely to receive the services they need to overcome their circumstances and more likely to acquire the skills to succeed in life.

Eligible volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, complete a 30-hour pre-service training program and pass a criminal background check. Volunteers should expect to spend an average of 10-15 hours a month on a case.

Support and guidance are provided by an assigned mentor, a volunteer supervisor and a program attorney.

The Guardian ad Litem program’s next two-day training session is on August 24 and 25, 2018 in Weeki Wachee, Florida.   Additional training sessions are posted in our Facebook page @gal5th and on our website at www.GuardianadLitem5.org

To find out more about the program, contact Amarilys Ortega at 352-343-2736 or email [email protected]. To request an application, visit www.GuardianadLitem.org.