Guardian ad Litem Program
|
| County: |
Charlotte, Hendry, Collier, Lee, Glades |
| Categories |
Legal Services
Special Needs
Youth
Social Services
Political Action/Social Justice |
| Details: |
The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program supports volunteers who advocate for abused, negected and abandoned children in court, the child welfare system and the community. Locally, volunteers serve in their home county of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry or Glades counties. Volunteers must be Florida residents, at least 21 years old and have at least one year to serve, complete free training and pass a background check. |
| Job Description: |
Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer advocates for an abused, neglected, abandoned child in court and within the community and is court appointed through the Program. The volunteer is required to visit each child in their case once monthly; attend court 3-4 times annually with dates known 3 to 6 months in advance, and have 8 to 10 hours monthly to volunteer. Volunteers are responsible for knowing who is doing what for the child and deciding when to advocate. |
| Times of Work: |
Weekdays daytime, Weekdays evenings, Weekends daytime, Weekends evenings |
| Primary Contact: |
Guardian ad Litem Office
2075 West First St.
Suite 300
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Fax: (239) 337-1380
Phone: (239) 533-5437
Email: Lee.County@gal.fl.gov
Website: http://gal.fl.gov |
| Secondary Contact: |
Mary Ann Brownstein
Phone: (239) 995-3737
|
| Worker's Comp for Volunteers?: |
Y |
| Benefits Offered: |
Guardians have access to support programs for children through Voices for Kids, a non-profit organization who’s mission is to support GAL volunteers and the children in their cases. Free parking in jury lot for court appearances and visits to office.
A Program Attorney is assigned to each child's case and a Child Advocacy Coordinator assigned to assist every volunteer. |
| Additional Information: |
Volunteering is done on your own schedule, except for court appearances approximately four times per year. Excellent volunteer work for students going into child welfare, education, human services, psychology or legal careers—great for the resume!
See our local web site: voicesforkids.org |
