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The day before he was supposed to go home to his mom, she relapsed – again. She
had worked hard to get him back – we had all worked hard – but in the end she
couldn’t handle the pressure of being a mom, and it was easier to turn to crack than
to disappoint her little boy again. At only six years old, how could he understand
this was her way of letting him go? I will never forget it. As sad as it was, I was
grateful I was there for him. He wanted to go home to his mother, but now that was
over, and he needed me to find him a place to call home.
Each year I struggle to convey why guardian ad litem advocacy is so important and
this story is a perfect example. I was a guardian ad litem for a child in a tragic
situation, but I was there. There are over 41,000 children in Florida today who have
similar stories, but not all of them have an advocate to help build their futures.
This year, as I report the guardian ad litem needs of the state of Florida, I have
compiled a series of true stories like the one above. The names of the children are
omitted – but they are real. The small victories described in this report speak
volumes about the progress that has been made in representation for children and
the difference one person can make when he or she stands up for a child. More
importantly though, it should serve as a reminder that there are still children who
have no voice, and that we must continue to work until all children have an
advocate of their own.
Sincerely,
Angela Orkin
Executive Director, Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office
Guardian ad Litem 2007 Annual Report
Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Brochure (English)
Folleto de Voluntario (Español) |
