19th Circuit Guardian ad Litem

The mission of the State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program is to advocate for the best interests of children who are alleged to be abused, neglected, or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings. Best interests include preservation of the child's physical safety and emotional well-being; permanent placement in a stable and nurturing home environment that fosters the child's healthy growth and development; and protection from further harm during the child's involvement in the court system.

The Guardian ad Litem is a unique partnership of court appointed community advocates and professional staff that provide a very powerful voice on behalf of Florida's over 900 abused and neglected children in St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, Indian River County and Martin County. Through diversification, empowerment, and a team concept, Guardian ad Litem volunteers are able to effective advocate for the best interest of children in the community. Thanks to the program, children are less likely to languish in the system and are more likely to be successful in school and more productive members of society. Businesses prosper through the Guardian ad Litem Ambassadorship Program which highlights their level of commitment in serving the community. This program does and your efforts will change the lives of children. Be their “Voice”.

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974 provided financial assistance to the states for programs which prevented, identified and treated child abuse and neglect. In 1980, the Florida Legislature appropriated funds to the Office of the State Courts Administrator to implement a pilot program that would examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a volunteer based program for the delivery of Guardian ad Litem services for abused and neglected children. As a result of the success of the pilot program, by 1990, all of Florida's twenty judicial circuits had volunteer-based programs for the delivery of Guardian ad Litem services that were administratively managed by the trial courts.

To become a Certified Guardian ad Litem Volunteer, candidates must fill out and submit an application at: (https://fl-19th.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication). An interview, independent study training, and fingerprinting will follow. All cadidates must be approved for training. Training classes are limited to 25-30 seats only. That said, do not wait too long. It is important to confirm your seat as soon as possible. This can be done as far out as the training dates go. It is important that if you have questions, you reach out to us. We would love to help. These children need your help. Please be thier voice!