Guardian Ad Litem

Save to Favorites

The purpose of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Pinellas County (RSVP) is to create meaningful opportunities for persons 55 years of age and above to participate more fully in the life of their community through volunteer service. RSVP has partnered with the Guardian ad Litem to recruit volunteers who are 55+ for the specific opportunities listed below.

Program Mission. "I am for the Child."

Program Vision. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program will continue to be a powerful and effective voice advocating for the best interests of Florida’s abused, abandoned and neglected children and be recognized and respected as a partnership of community advocates and professional staff. To the fullest extent possible, this vision will be realized through volunteers who will advocate as Guardians ad Litem for the children they serve.

Become an Advocate
A Guardian ad Litem is so much more to a child than just their court advocate. A GAL volunteer often becomes a role model, mentor, educational surrogate, friend, confidant, and most important, a consistent caring person on whom the child can rely. The standards reflect this high level of empowerment and lay the foundation for guardians and staff to make an even greater difference in the lives of children.
"To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world."

A Guardian ad Litem is a volunteer appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the best interests of a child involved in a court proceeding. The volunteer Guardian ad litem makes independent recommendations to the court by focusing on the needs of each child and advocating for their best interests.