Guardian ad Litem 8th Judicial Circuit

09/02/2026

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🌟 With determination, dedication, and unwavering support, one teen is rewriting her future! 🌟

Child Advocate Manager Sharice Jean-Bart was assigned to help represent and support a teen. The teen, who was starting her senior year, felt anxious and overwhelmed, being a year behind due to past challenges and unsure if she could graduate on time.

Sharice sprang into action, providing reassurance and encouragement. Together, they met with the school, devised a plan, and the teen dove into it, working tirelessly and updating Sharice every step of the way. She dedicated herself to her assignments, often staying up late, never giving up despite the challenges. Sharice believed in her and helped her believe in herself.

When it came time for the standardized test necessary for her diploma, she missed passing by just two points. Though devastated, she didn’t give up. With Sharice's guidance, they worked on study strategies and tools to prepare for the next attempt. Sharice assured her that this setback didn’t define her future.

On her retake, she nailed it, earning her diploma and surpassing expectations. Everyone celebrated her achievement, with Sharice proudly by her side.

After graduation, they completed her college application together. They celebrated together when she got her acceptance letter. She's starting this semester. Sharice helped her secure a laptop from a local community partner so she can start with confidence.

With support, encouragement, and incredible determination, this teen has overcome every obstacle, moving confidently into her future with Sharice by her side.

Want to change a teen's life? Visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/18/2026

Positive, supportive adults can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children.
Guardian ad Litem Volunteers, who are integral members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team, help the Office represent and support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community.
Are you ready to become part of the team?
Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer at

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida's abused children.

07/31/2026

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A consistent adult can make a lasting impact in the life of an abused, abandoned, or neglected child. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers spend time getting to know a child, listen to their needs, and build trust.

They work alongside a multidisciplinary team to help represent, support, and advocate for the child in court and the community. No legal experience required. You just have to have a heart to make a difference. Florida’s children are waiting for someone like you.

Through our free mini-course, you can learn more about the role, the commitment, and the next steps.

Take the first step today by taking the free mini-course at www.myflfamiliescourses.org

07/28/2026

Finding a forever home can change everything. Just ask a young teen who, after nearly five years in the foster care system, finally found her perfect fit.

She and her four siblings entered foster care after experiencing significant trauma. Because each child had different needs, they were placed in separate homes. Throughout it all, their dedicated Guardian ad Litem Team worked to keep the siblings connected through regular visits while advocating for the support and services each child needed to heal and thrive.

Over time, the youngest sibling found a loving adoptive family, and three others were adopted together.

The oldest sibling's journey took longer. She faced significant behavioral challenges, but the Guardian ad Litem Team never gave up on finding the right family.

Recently, she was welcomed into an adoptive home where she was met with something she had long needed—patience, understanding, and unconditional love.

Shortly after moving in, she became overwhelmed and destroyed her bedroom. Instead of responding with anger, her adoptive mom wrapped her in a hug, reassured her she was safe, talked through her feelings, and simply asked that she help clean up afterward.

Later, the teen shared with her Child Advocate Manager:

"Y’all finally found the mom I always wanted."

Today, all five siblings are beginning new chapters with their forever families. Just as importantly, those families are committed to helping the siblings stay connected, making sure the bond they share continues to grow.

Every child deserves to find their perfect fit.

Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a volunteer, mentor, or supporter at www.guardianadlitem.org.

07/28/2026

Finding a forever home can change everything. Just ask a young teen who, after nearly five years in the foster care system, finally found her perfect fit.
She and her four siblings entered foster care after experiencing significant trauma. Because each child had different needs, they were placed in separate homes. Throughout it all, their dedicated Guardian ad Litem Team worked to keep the siblings connected through regular visits while advocating for the support and services each child needed to heal and thrive.

Over time, the youngest sibling found a loving adoptive family, and three others were adopted together.

The oldest sibling's journey took longer. She faced significant behavioral challenges, but the Guardian ad Litem Team never gave up on finding the right family.
Recently, she was welcomed into an adoptive home where she was met with something she had long needed—patience, understanding, and unconditional love.

Shortly after moving in, she became overwhelmed and destroyed her bedroom. Instead of responding with anger, her adoptive mom wrapped her in a hug, reassured her she was safe, talked through her feelings, and simply asked that she help clean up afterward.

Later, the teen shared with her Child Advocate Manager:

"Y’all finally found the mom I always wanted."

Today, all five siblings are beginning new chapters with their forever families. Just as importantly, those families are committed to helping the siblings stay connected, making sure the bond they share continues to grow.

Every child deserves to find their perfect fit.

Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a volunteer, mentor, or supporter at www.guardianadlitem.org.

07/20/2026

You can be a caring adult who shows up, builds trust, and makes a difference in the life of an abused, abandoned, or neglected child. Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Guardian ad Litem Volunteers do not need legal or child welfare experience. They work alongside a team of professionals to help represent and support the child in court and the community. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides training and support so that you make a difference.

Florida’s children are waiting for someone like you.

Through our free mini-course, you can learn more about the role, the training provided, and the next steps to become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Take the first step today- click this link to take the mini-course and learn more:

Basics of Florida Foster Care and Child Advocacy Learn what it’s like to support Florida’s children through fostering or Guardian ad Litem volunteering. Want to learn more?The “Basics” Mini-Course offers a simple place to begin for Floridians who want to help children in their communities. L...

04/28/2026

One person can truly change the course of a child’s life. Just ask Judy Boll, a dedicated Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

Judy has served as a volunteer since 2018. Eight years ago, she joined a Guardian ad Litem team assigned to a newborn who had been abandoned and faced significant medical and developmental challenges. At the time, there were serious concerns about whether he would survive his first year.

Judy remained committed. She worked alongside her team, child welfare partners, and service providers to ensure his needs were met. She gathered medical information, participated in care discussions, and stayed focused on what would give him the best chance at a stable future. She also remained steadfast in the effort to help him find a permanent home.

That commitment made a difference. The child recently celebrated his eighth birthday — and just weeks later, was adopted by his forever family. Today, he is thriving, attending school, and enjoying activities like bowling. Judy’s dedication helped change the trajectory of his life.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers across Florida who give their time to support children in need.

Thank you, Judy, for your compassion, commitment, and for making a lasting difference in this child’s life!

To learn how you can make a difference, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/22/2026

Celebrating National Volunteer Week!

This week, we celebrate the army of Floridians who step up every day to make a difference through the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, representing the legal interests of abused, abandoned, and neglected children from all across the state of Florida—both in court and in the community.

Whether helping to represent the legal interests of abused, abandoned, or neglected children, sharing legal expertise as a pro bono attorney, or serving as positive role models who empower teens as they move toward independence, these individuals are making a difference and helping create a brighter future in their communities.

This week is all about recognizing and celebrating their incredible contributions. Throughout the week, we will highlight stories of the impact they have made in the lives of children and teens. While these stories offer a glimpse, they are just the tip of the iceberg of the impact our volunteers have across the state.

We are grateful for the time, dedication, and compassion they bring to helping represent, advocate for and support Florida’s most vulnerable children and teens.

Let’s take this week to honor their commitment and inspire the spirit of giving back.

Learn more about how you can get involved at www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/21/2026

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Month this April, we want to recognize and thank the dedicated mentors who give their time to support teens aging out of foster care and moving into adulthood.

Because of mentors like you, teens have someone to help guide them as they pursue their goals, build life skills, and take steps toward independence. Whether it’s preparing for a career, continuing their education, or working toward a dream like owning a business, your presence makes a lasting impact.

Right now, teens—like the young woman highlighted here—are still waiting for that kind of support. More than 160 teens across the state are waiting for a mentor to be part of their team and support them along the way.

Thank you to all the mentors who make a difference each and every day. Could you be the mentor someone is waiting for? Learn more at www.guardianadlitem.org.

04/10/2026

This April, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of raising awareness for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Today, our team is wearing blue to show our support and commitment to the children we represent—both in court and in the community.
We are proud to stand together in support of Florida’s most vulnerable children. Learn more about how you can get involved at www.guardianadlitem.org.