Guardian ad Litem Office - Circuit Seventeen

Take The First Step Today Florida’s children are waiting for someone like you. Take our free mini-course to learn more about the role, training, and support available to you.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of children every day.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and special moments with those you cherish most.

June is National Reunification Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the journeys of families who overcome challenges and become stronger together.

One Florida mother faced battles with mental health and substance abuse, ultimately losing her parental rights. Determined to change the course of her family's future, she sought help, engaged with community providers, and worked tirelessly to create a safe and stable home. Through sobriety, accountability, and unwavering commitment, she transformed her life.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Jim Eiffert became an important part of the family's support system. He connected the mother with resources, supported the older children through their healing process, and helped facilitate meaningful connections between them and their mother.

Rebuilding trust was not easy, but the family remained committed to the journey. Eventually, the children were reunited with their mother. With the advocacy of the Guardian ad Litem team and collaboration with child welfare partners, the court later reinstated the mother's parental rights.

Today, the family is fully and legally reunited.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is honored to witness stories of resilience, redemption, and hope. Sometimes, the most meaningful outcomes are those that once seemed impossible.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit GuardianadLitem.org.

Open Your Heart Gain real insight into service roles like foster parenting and Guardian ad Litem Volunteering.

June is National Reunification Month!

It is a time to celebrate the strength of families working to overcome challenges, rebuild relationships, and reunite.

One such story involves a 3-year-old girl who entered foster care in late 2023. Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Fran Abilock became an important part of the child's multidisciplinary team, building a relationship with the father and providing encouragement and support as he worked to strengthen his parenting skills and create a stable home for his daughter.

With the support of Fran and the child's foster parents, the father remained committed to his daughter's well-being and worked hard to provide the safe, stable home she needed.

Late last year, the little girl was reunified with her father. Today, they are thriving, and Fran continues to be a positive presence in their lives.

This heartwarming story highlights how reunification is possible when we all come together with respect, dedication, and understanding.

Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer at GuardianadLitem.org.

No Pressure. No Timelines. You don't need all of the answers to begin learning. Take our free mini-course to learn more.