5th Judicial Guardian ad Litem Program

The Guardian ad Litem program, together with state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

A world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.

In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom. From that first program has grown a network of more than 951 CASA and Guardian ad Litem programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Information Session: February 26th from 10am to 12pm at Master the Possibilities in Ocala.
Information Session: March 11th from 10am to 12pm at the GAL office (34 NW 1st Ave in Ocala)
Guardian ad Litem Pre-service Training: April 17th & 18th in Ocala

Registration is required to all events.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program advocates for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment and find themselves in State Child Protective Services. Through our heartfelt child advocacy, we help these children reach a safe and permanent place that they can call home.
We are people from all backgrounds, who make a commitment to advocating for children. Through our advocacy, we change the lives of children and make positive impacts in our communities. In the process, our own lives are changed for the better.
When children are removed from households that lack safety and care, they are placed in State Child Protective Services. The Guardian ad Litem Program is appointed by the courts to advocate on behalf of the children's needs and best interests, so they get the support and services needed to change their lives.
Together with our Attorneys, professional Child Advocate Managers, and our trained and certified Volunteers, we advocate for each child so they can receive the services needed to thrive physically, emotionally, academically and socially.
Our Program is in every county throughout Florida, representing and advocating for the children we serve. We love seeing our impact in the lives of the children. Together we help change the lives of children so they become resilient and continue to succeed. By doing this, we build stronger families and communities.