As we reported last month, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program was nominated for and awarded a 2012 Davis Productivity Eagle Award.
Executive Director Alan Abramowitz shared the news and his thoughts in a letter, the contents of which are presented below.
2012 Davis Productivity Eagle Award Winner!!!
Congratulations to the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program, its staff, volunteers, non-profits, and supporters for receiving the most prestigious award from Prudential-Davis Productivity Awards, Florida TaxWatch. The Program was nominated for "Streamlining Efficiencies to Focus on Commitment to Children" in September 2011.
The GAL Program's nomination and award was based on the facts that it's the State Program that costs the least and benefits the most. (Blue Ribbon Panel Rilya Wilson 2002). By utilizing over 16,000 volunteers over the last 5 years, committed staff working to support child advocacy, engaging non-profits committed to supporting the program and children, utilizing pro bono attorneys around the state, and in particular through the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association has saved the State millions of dollars. We have established a private/public partnership securing money with our local non-profits; established an online portal for volunteers resulting in cost savings; and established an online training for program and pro bono attorneys resulting in free Continuing Legal Education Credits (CLEs).
The Davis Productivity Award publicly recognizes state employees whose work "significantly and measurably increases productivity and promotes innovation to improve the delivery of state services and save money for Florida taxpayers and businesses." The program is a major government improvement initiative chaired by Florida's Lt. Governor and co-sponsored by Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Council of 100, and the State of Florida.
This year, 533 nominations were submitted worth millions in cost savings, cost avoidances and increased revenue for state government. Of the 533 nominations, there were only 16 nominations that received the prestigious Eagle Award. And the Guardian ad Litem Program is one of them! There will be an awards ceremony in Tallahassee on June 1, 2012 where the Program will be recognized and receive this amazing award.
Thank you to our staff and volunteers of this great Program. Without you, this would not be possible!
Sincerely,
Alan Abramowitz
Executive Director
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