On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, the Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program attended Governor Rick Scott's Cabinet meeting at the Florida Capitol.
Circuit Director Deborah Moore was on hand to witness Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canady swear in twenty new guardian ad litem volunteers, discuss child advocacy issues and stand with Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Executive Director Alan Abramowitz as Governor Scott presented him with a resolution recognizing the program.
You can download the press release or read the text below. You can also look at photographs from the event in our Volunteers Sworn In 2012-01-18 set on Flickr.
GUARDIAN AD LITEM SWEARS IN NEW CLASS OF VOLUNTEERS AT THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNOR AND CABINET
Volunteers were sworn in by Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, Florida Supreme Court.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program attended the Governor and Cabinet Meeting on January 18, 2012, where Chief Justice Canady administered the oath that will allow approximately 20 private citizens to speak on behalf of Florida's children. The Guardian ad Litem Program represents the interests of children in court proceedings by enlisting dedicated volunteers to be an independent voice for those children who are alleged to have been abused or neglected.
"Guardian ad Litem volunteers are a special group because they are committed to the relentless advocacy for the well-being and best interest of the children they serve," Governor Rick Scott said. "I am thankful for each of the nearly 8,000 Florida GALs currently making a difference in the lives of children every day, and I welcome the new guardians being sworn in today."
Deborah Moore, 2nd Judicial Circuit Director states, "I am grateful for this opportunity and honor to witness the swearing in of our guardian ad litem volunteers. These volunteers will help bring positive change and improve outcomes for many children in our community. Our Program is so fortunate to have these exceptional individuals stepping up for our children."
Governor Rick Scott presented Executive Director, Alan Abramowitz, with a Resolution that recognizes the Program for its commitment and many years of service to this state's dependent children.
This new class of volunteers brings the Program one step closer to the goal of 10,000 voices for children. "The support shown by Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott is incredible. I would like to thank the Governor for recognizing the Program and the need for its volunteers to serve as independent advocates for Florida's children," stated Alan Abramowitz. There are approximately 32,000 children in care and approximately 10,000 children still in need of a voice to guide them along their path to a permanent home. These new volunteers will be assigned children and start their journey to help our most vulnerable citizens. Nick Nichols will be sworn in as a guardian ad litem volunteer. "To become a voice for our most precious resource, our children, is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. I am humbled and honored to be able to represent children in situations that they did not cause," stated Nick Nichols.
If you are interested in learning more about the Guardian ad Litem Program or want to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.gal2.org, or contact Deborah Moore at (850) 606.1218.
CONTACT
Deborah Moore, Circuit Director
Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program
1-850-606-1218
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