Foster Children In Desperate Need Of Guardian Ad Litem Volunteers

TAMPA, FL — The world was turbulent enough prior to the coronavirus. Now, foster children often feel they're living in a nightmare.

According to Tabitha Lambert, Guardian ad Litem 13th Circuit Hillsborough County director, more than ever, these children need to know they have someone in their corner.

The Guardian ad Litem advocates for the best interests of foster children, serves as their voice in court, listens to their concerns and is a consistent adult influence in their lives.

“It’s a way of reframing your existence,” said bioethicist Stephen Post, “getting out from the negative vortex and feeling free to do something that is meaningful.”

Currently, there are 3,500 foster children in Hillsborough County in need of a guardian but there are only 973 Guardian ad Litem volunteers.

“A Guardian ad Litem volunteer makes a difference in a child’s life with just a few hours a month,” said Lambert. “You research needs and options, communicate with other parties in the dependency system, and establish a relationship with the child that can have a lifelong effect.”

To learn how to be a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, the program offers a group conference information session call every Thursday at noon. Dial-in information is available on website. A one-on-one information session can be arranged for anyone whose schedule will not allow them to join the conference call.

To learn more, call 813-272-5110 or visit the website.