Roles of a Guardian ad Litem:
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) represents the best interest of the child in a variety of ways.
| Information Gatherer: | The GAL collects information and interviews family, foster parents, teachers and any other persons involved in the child’s life. |
| Monitor: | The GAL visits with the child or children, on their assigned case, at a minimum of once a month and advises the Program of the status of the child and updates regarding the child. |
| Protector: | The GAL works with community partners to ensure the child is receiving the assistance and support needed to remain safe. |
| Courtroom Advocate: | Based on the information that the GAL has gathered the GAL, through their attorney, is able to make independent recommendations to the court and becomes the voice of the child. |
Guardians ad Litem Receive:
- The opportunity to be a champion for an abused or neglected child.
- Thirty hours of training (no previous training or legal background is required).
- A strong and responsive team that includes Program staff and attorneys who, along with the volunteer, work together to provide advocacy for the child.
Training:
Training classes are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. for 5 weeks, equaling 30 hours.* Topics include but are not limited to Intro to the GAL Program, an overview of child abuse, understanding children and families, legal path of a dependency case and cultural diversity.
1st May Course 2012 Training Application deadline is April 17,2012. This training will be held at University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613. Training dates are May 1,3,8,10,15,17,22,24,29 & 31 with Graduation on June 5, 2012.
2nd May Course 2012 Training This training will be held at Guardian ad Litem Office, 700 E Twiggs St, Ste 750, Tampa, FL 33602. Training dates are May 19, June 2 and June 9 with class times beginning at 9:00am, ending at 4:00pm.
*This additional May class is only three days but classes are of longer duration.
July 2012 Training Application deadline is June 25, 2012. This training will be held at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, FL 33511. Training dates are July 10,12,17,19,24,26,31 August 2 & 9 with Graduation on August 14 at 6:30 p.m.
SIGN UP NOW!
To apply to become a Guardian Ad Litem for the 13th Circuit (Hillsborough County), download and fax the application below (fax to 813.276.2704):
