Florida Guardian ad Litem Office in Seminole County

09/11/2026

Today, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honors the heroes, first responders, service members, and families forever impacted by that day.

Patriot Day is a reminder of the strength found in compassion, community, and stepping forward to serve others — values that continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families across Florida.

We will never forget.

09/11/2026

09/02/2026

🌟 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

At the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, we’re all about empowering the children and teens we represent to reach for brighter futures.

Take Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Larry Clarke who is opening doors for the kids he helps represent, giving them the chance to discover new interests and future paths. This summer, Larry made it possible for a teen to attend a flight academy. There was just one spot left, and he knew this was the perfect opportunity to boost her confidence and potentially launch a new career path. With teamwork and collaboration from the Guardian ad Litem team and other child welfare partners, she was all set for takeoff.

She absolutely thrived at the academy, savoring every experience. What once seemed impossible became a reality, and with Larry’s support, she now knows there are no limits to how high she can soar.

To learn how you can help children soar to brighter futures, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/18/2026

🌟 Did you know that a big part of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is making sure our children have the educational support they need to succeed?

Our team is dedicated to securing the necessary services and resources for these kids. We advocate in court for educational issues, including helping children stay in the same school for stability. Guardians ad Litem serve as educational advocates, collaborating with schools if a child requires extra services. They also partner with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation to offer opportunities like extracurricular activities or additional tutoring to help students excel. Our mentors engage closely with teens, discussing future educational and career goals and how to achieve them.

We truly understand the power of education! 📚✨

As this new school year starts, we thank all of our volunteers and staff who dedicate their time and efforts to help our children thrive.

To learn how you can make an impact, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/11/2026

Join us for coffee with other Guardian ad Litem Volunteers and Staff.

Wednesday, August 26st at 9:30am. Parva Colombian
Bakery & Cafe
220 W Lake Mary Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773

*Coffee will be paid for by individual attendees.

08/11/2026

Join us for lunch with other Guardian ad Litem Volunteers and Staff.

Friday, August 21st at noon. Little Greek Fresh Grill, 237 Wheelhouse Lane, Lake Mary, FL 32746.
*Lunch will be paid for by individual attendees.

RSVP to [email protected]

07/30/2026

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

07/29/2026

As teens prepare for adulthood, having a positive, supportive adult can make a lasting difference.
Guardian ad Litem Volunteers and Mentors each play an important role in helping abused, abandoned, and neglected children. Guardian ad Litem Volunteers are vital members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team, helping represent and support children in court and the community. Mentors provide older youth with encouragement, guidance, and a consistent, supportive adult as they prepare for adulthood.
No legal or child welfare experience is required. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to prepare Guardian ad Litem Volunteers and Mentors for their roles.
Every child needs a positive, supportive adult to help them succeed. Be that person.
Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer or Mentor at www.guardianadlitem.org

07/27/2026

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.