In This Issue

Cover Story: Looking Ahead to the 2014 Florida Legislative Session

by David July
Wednesday, February 12, 2014

After Florida's regular legislative session convenes on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 10:00 AM, several items pertaining to children eventually will come before the House of Representatives and Senate.

Florida Guardian ad Litem Program Executive Director Alan Abramowitz recently shared three articles that discuss legislative news of interest to program volunteers, staff and supporters.

The first article from his office is presented below. Links to the other two articles and additional information on the topics they discuss follow.

Fiscal Year 2014–2015 Legislative Priorities for the Florida Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program
by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office

As of November 2013, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program represented seventy-six percent of abused, neglected and abandoned children statewide. There were 8,839 certified volunteers plus an additional 998 uncertified non-case volunteers across Florida's twenty judicial circuits.

In order to increase to one-hundred percent the number of children represented as required by state and federal law, a legislative priority of the program will be to request a budget appropriation of $6.1 million dollars and place a priority on reaching all children in out of home care.

With that group fully represented, eighty percent of children in the entire dependency court system will be represented by a guardian ad litem volunteer.

Another priority is the aforementioned "Keys to Independence Act" expected to be filed soon by Senator Nancy Detert and Representative Ben Albritton. More information about this proposed legislation can be found above and in the linked to WFSU News piece.

In addition, the program will also seek to modify the proviso language which governs attorneys ad litem for dependent children in nursing homes. The modification would allow excess funds to be used for other children who have legal needs such as guardianships for incapacitated children.

Lawmakers Expected To File First-Of-A-Kind Bill To Help Foster Kids Get Driver Licenses

As quoted in the article, Abramowitz says that "the bill will be filed soon by Senator Nancy Detert and Representative Ben Albritton." Detert and Albritton both sponsored last year's normalcy "Let Kids Be Kids" House Bill 215.

"This legislation, which you and many others have helped to shape, will create a pilot project to increase the number of youth in foster care who learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses," says Abramowitz. "Having a driver's license is a key to completing education and holding a job as an adult — currently most foster youth do not have that option."

Under the legislation, the Florida Department of Children and Families will be charged with writing an annual report on the effectiveness of the three-year pilot program. Youth must maintain a 2.2 grade point average to be eligible to participate and they, along with caregivers and not-for-profit agency providers, may seek reimbursement for certain costs like taking driver's education, driving tests and obtaining a license.

Funding for the first year of operation is being sought through a $1.5 million dollar appropriation and the program will run on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

The bill dubbed the "Keys to Independence Act" also gives priority to foster youth enrolled in school-based driver education programs. Another provision allows youth ages sixteen and up to obtain a court order granting the ability to contract for automobile insurance under their own name after completing driver's education.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, the "Keys to Independence Act" — now officially SB 744 "Motor Vehicle Insurance and Driver Education for Children in Care" — was heard by the Florida Senate's Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee. The bill passed the ten-member committee unanimously.

According to WFSU News, Senator Detert is now considering removing one of the bill's provisions "after some lawmakers raised concerns that foster kids would get preference when in enrolling in driver's ed courses."

Gaetz-Weatherford plan to protect the vulnerable

A key portion comes at the end of the article noting House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz said that "they intend to fully fund a maximum expansion of the Guardian ad Litem Program for minors, increase funding for child advocacy centers and to better address human trafficking crimes."

The commitment to "fully fund maximum current year expansion of the Guardian ad Litem Program" was part of the joint 2014 Work Plan Florida Agenda announced by Weatherford and Gaetz on Wednesday, January 29, 2014.

Director's Column

by Deborah Moore
Thursday, February 13, 2014

Our program holds quarterly swearing in ceremonies at the Leon County Courthouse for our newly certified volunteers. The audience is often filled with guardian ad litem peer mentors in support of their guardian ad litem mentees and new volunteers often invite their family and friends.

The Honorable Karen Gievers, Honorable Martin Fitzpatrick or Honorable George Reynolds administers the guardian ad litem oath to our new volunteers. The ceremony is an important time to reinforce the serious responsibility our volunteers have to the child they support in our program.

During the most recent ceremony, I listened to our new volunteers recite the guardian ad litem oath, repeating each word after it was read aloud by Judge Fitzpatrick.

"I, [name], do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the duties of a guardian ad litem and do everything in my power to protect and defend the best interests of the children to whom I am appointed."

I silently repeated each word along with our volunteers, reminding myself of the promise to be there every step of the way for the children in the program. The last sentence ended the ceremony with a meaningful and lasting statement.

I am the child's voice and will faithfully represent their best interests at all times. I am for the child.

Advocate Best Practices

by David July

Have you visited the Current Volunteers page on our website lately? We regularly add new content to this page, maintained as a helpful tool for our volunteers.

In addition to our continuing education materials, there are forms, documents, court report writing guides, the Ask a Mentor column and links to additional resources.

Stop by and check it out! Visit gal2.org and click the "I Am A Volunteer" button.

Mattie Johnson Appointed to Serve on Statewide Committee

by David July
Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Last month, we published "DVAC Links Volunteers to the State Office" by program volunteer Dorothy "Dot" Binger that described the Director's Volunteer Advisory Committee (DVAC).

Comprised of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program Executive Director Alan Abramowitz and a volunteer from each of the twenty circuits, the Director's Volunteer Advisory Committee meets every month by way of teleconference.

Typical topics include legislative priorities, volunteer recruitment and retention, community outreach, special events and open discussion.

Binger has served as the Second Judicial Circuit representative on the committee for the past year. As this position is generally rotated on an annual basis, Abramowitz requested that each circuit director appoint a new volunteer for 2014.

On Friday, February 7, 2014, Circuit Director Deborah Moore announced the selection of Mattie Johnson as our new DVAC representative. Moore and Johnson both participated in the first teleconference of the year that took place on Thursday, January 30, 2014.

Johnson also serves as a member on our Volunteer Advisory Committee and in April 2013 was named Social Services Volunteer of the Year by the Tallahassee Democrat.

In addition to participating in the teleconference and sharing information about our program with the group, Johnson will also be responsible for passing along key information and minutes to our volunteers each month.

One sample news item is the announcement that in lieu of the annual Guardian ad Litem Day, the statewide office will instead partner with Children's Week this year. Their annual event is next scheduled for April 6–11, 2014.

Thanking Binger for her service on the committee during the past year, Moore said that "we are grateful for Dot's effort to enhance the work of our volunteers and ongoing commitment to our program and children."

Thank you again to Dot Binger and congratulations to Mattie Johnson!

Omega Wynn Recognized at Black History Month Celebration

by David July
Wednesday, February 12, 2014

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, the Florida Department of Children and Families hosted their seventh Black History Month Celebration at the R.A. Gray Building in downtown Tallahassee.

Celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of African-American adoptive and foster parents, partners, civic leaders and DCF employees, this year's event featured an honoree familiar to our local guardian ad litem community.

With his energetic personality and contagious smile, Omega Wynn is an individual for whom the Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program is grateful. He was recognized by interim Department of Children and Families Secretary Esther Jacobo at the Black History Month Celebration for his work as a community partner in concert with his employer Starbucks for whom he serves as district manager in our region.

Wynn's dedication to our program is exemplified by his years of contributions as a community supporter, Child Advocates II board member and, more recently, his certification as a guardian ad litem case volunteer in 2012.

"I was thrilled when I learned that our very own Omega Wynn would be honored at the Department of Children and Families Black History Month event," said Circuit Director Deborah Moore, who joined Wynn for the festivities. "Our program and community are so fortunate to have Omega's unwavering compassion and giving spirit."

This is but the latest accolade for Wynn. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Program statewide office recognized him as Community Supporter of the Year during their annual awards banquet in September 2013, while just earlier Child Advocates II named him Community Supporter of the Year at their annual appreciation day event in July 2013.

Those that know him appreciate well that Wynn makes his contributions not for awards or recognition, but to be able to make a real and positive difference in the lives of families and children in our community.

Thank you and congratulations to Omega Wynn!

Twenty New Volunteers Sworn In As Guardians ad Litem

by David July
Thursday, October 24, 2013

Photo: gal2.org/David July

On Wednesday, October 23, 2013, twenty new volunteers — consisting of graduates from our July, August, September and October training classes — were sworn in as guardians ad litem at the Leon County Courthouse in downtown Tallahassee.

The ceremony began with Deborah Moore who welcomed, thanked and congratulated the volunteers. She introduced the members of her staff in attendance as well as the current volunteers who came to show their support.

Next to thank the volunteers and speak was the Honorable Judge George S. Reynolds III. During his brief talk, Judge Reynolds drew a comparison between guardians ad litem and judges as normal citizens who sometimes don a (metaphorical or real) robe and take on additional duties.

Judge Reynolds also discussed the process from the perspective of the bench, highlighting the importance, value and essential nature of guardians ad litem to the judicial processes to which they contribute.

Next, special guest Florida Senator William J. "Bill" Montford took a few minutes to speak to the volunteers and their guests. A former teacher, assistant principal, principal and county commissioner, Senator Montford has experience with our mission from various angles and expressed his appreciation to the volunteers.

Following Senator Montford's remarks, the volunteers approached the bench and formed a semi-circle in front of Judge Reynolds, Senator Montford and the circuit judge presiding over the swearing in ceremony, the Honorable Judge Martin Fitzpatrick.

Photo: gal2.org/David July

While the Honorable Judge Karen Gievers has performed our guardian ad litem swearing in ceremonies since July 2012, she was presiding over a family court case hearing and was unable to attend. Fortunately, Judge Fitzpatrick was available and had the opportunity to address the volunteers prior to administering the oath.

After meeting and speaking to the volunteers, Judge Fitzpatrick asked them to raise their right hands and repeat the oath as administered. Finishing the ceremony, Judge Fitzpatrick congratulated the new guardians ad litem and the courtroom broke into applause.

Concluding the event, Judge Fitzpatrick, Judge Reynolds and Senator Montford posed for photographs with the volunteers and thanked them individually.

In attendance at the ceremony for WCTV Eyewitness News, Reporter Garin Flowers took the opportunity to speak to several volunteers and staff before interviewing Senator Montford and newly sworn in volunteer guardian ad litem Joanna Winters on camera.

Flowers' story aired on the 11:00 PM news on October 23, 2013. Earlier in the week, he also covered one of our continuing education events.

Thank you to Senator Montford and Legislative Assistant Taylor Gilbert for attending and welcoming our newest volunteers; Judge Fitzpatrick and Judge Reynolds for being able to participate at the last minute; WCTV and Garin Flowers for sharing our mission with their viewers; and our friends at Alaska CASA who on Twitter welcomed our new volunteers to the CASA family.

We are very proud of and thankful for all of our volunteers and the work that they do.

Congratulations to our newest volunteer guardians ad litem!

To see our fifty-eight photographs from this event, view Volunteers Sworn In 2013-10-23 on Flickr.

Seminoles Football Team Hosts Special Event for GAL Children

by David July
Tuesday, November 12, 2013

On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, the Florida State Seminoles football program hosted a behind the scenes tour for the Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program.

Arranged by our nonprofit organization Child Advocates II, Inc. (CAII), this special event gave program-represented children and youth an opportunity to have fun, learn about the Seminoles and see firsthand the importance of studying hard and doing well in school.

Participating children, volunteer guardians ad litem and staff first met up in the Great Hall at the Coyle E. Moore Athletics Center, situated on the north side of Doak S. Campbell Stadium in University Center Building D.

The Great Hall features tributes to student athletes, photographs and artifacts from notable and historic moments and, encased in touch-sensitive glass, the 1993 and 1999 American Football Coaches Association National Championship trophies.

Everyone had a chance to browse the collection before our guide for the day, Coordinator of Student Services Ochuko Jeniji, arrived and got things started. Before taking this role, Jeniji was himself a Seminole footballer playing cornerback and then safety between 2006 and 2010.

Our tour began with Jeniji providing an overview of FSU athletics, using several of the items in the Great Hall as examples. We next moved up to the second floor, pausing along the atrium to look down at the Great Hall from above and see the large stained-glass window.

The three-story, 30-by-20-foot window commemorates the naming of Bobby Bowden Field and was unveiled at that same ceremony, just before the FSU v. Florida game on November 20, 2004. Consisting of 112 individual panels and 8,500 pieces of glass, the window was created by Robert Bischoff, Jo Ann Bischoff and twelve FSU students in the Master Craftsman Program.

Aside: Seminoles fans will no doubt recall that particular rivalry matchup wherein the Gators — helmed by short-lived coach Ron Zook in his final regular-season game — upset Florida State 20-13, the first Tallahassee win for Florida in eighteen years.

Leaving the atrium and proceeding down a corridor, our group next arrived at the Football Projection Room, a large, cinema-style space with 156 seats and a multimedia projection system. This room is used by the team to discuss past and future performances as well as entertain groups like ourselves. Taking their seats, the participants were treated to a screening of a short film about Florida State athletics and then had an opportunity to ask Jeniji questions.

As a result, we heard about the meetings regularly held in the room and the achievement board, used by the team to track whether or not certain criterion are met (such as "no turnovers" and "average four yards per rush") during each game. The children also got to hear about Jeniji's own experience at FSU and the rigorous academic and athletic schedules each student athlete must maintain to succeed.

Curious as to its seemingly unusual presence in this locale, one youth wondered why a Clemson Tigers "tiger paw" logo was displayed on a whiteboard. The display of a non-FSU team logo here turns out to be part of a simple method to remind the Seminoles which opponent they next face.

Next, the group moved through another series of corridors leading us to the Jim and Linda Owens Multi-Purpose Room. As the name implies, this room is used for a variety of training roles but is carpeted in artificial turf for the football team. Jeniji spoke for a few minutes while students were using the room to perform calisthenics and stretching routines.

Crossing the room to exit, the group emerges on a metal stairway platform overlooking the Roger Holler Champions Training Complex. This large space with high ceilings contains rows and rows of various professional exercise and training equipment. Ceremonial banners celebrating significant wins adorn this mostly metal and cinder block facility and a television scrolls various information, including the current rankings of FSU sports teams.

Carrying on, we walked to an open-air walkway beneath the stadium and proceeded along until emerging inside the stadium itself. Walking out into the Section One seating area at the stadium's northern end zone, the group had a chance to see where a new attendance record of 84,409 would soon be set (during the FSU v. Miami game on November 2, 2013).

After posing for a group photograph, we left the stadium via Gate M and moved north toward Dick Howser Stadium, home of Seminoles baseball. Gathering around a fenced-in area outside the gates of the football practice field, we learned about a long-standing team practice: the Sod Cemetery.

Issued as a challenge to the 1962 Seminoles at practice before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, professor and athletic board member Dean Coyle Moore said to "bring back some sod from between the hedges at Georgia." Returning victorious after an 18-0 shutout with some grass from the field at Sanford Stadium, the team buried the sod at the practice field as a symbol of victory.

The plaque on display explains that "since that time, each week before leaving for games away from home in which Florida State is the underdog, all University of Florida road games and all conference championship and bowl games, Seminole captains gather their teammates at the cemetery to tell them about this tradition." Those captains who return victorious do so with some sod and add it, along with a marker, to the ever-growing tribute now fifty-one years old.

Even as we proceeded with Jeniji on the tour, the children were unaware that our ultimate destination would include a chance to watch the team practice and then meet the players and coaches. That destination awaited us just beyond the Sod Cemetery.

Advancing onto the outdoor practice fields and then into the new 92,000-square foot Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility, the group got their first glimpse of the team in person. The artificial turf of the practice fields runs continuously through the doors right into the massive building. As the group took in the size of the indoor training facility, Jeniji talked about how it will allow practices to proceed uninterrupted during inclement weather.

While there, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Vic Viloria walked over and introduced himself, interacted with the children and posed for a few photographs. He said that the team would be finishing their practice soon and that we should watch them from the sidelines; they would be over to say hello shortly.

An assistant passed out "Plant Yourself in Doak" team posters and black permanent markers to each of the children. They watched excitedly as the practice finally wrapped and the players started to come our way.

In a scene this author hypothesizes had the similitude of a Hollywood red carpet event, the excitation was palpable as the children with wide smiles each got to meet the players, shake hands, give high fives, get autographs and pose for pictures. Even though they had just completed a multi-hour outdoor practice with temperatures in the mid-eighties, the players were outgoing and eager to interact.

The players took their stardom in stride as perfect gentlemen, ensuring that the experience was fun for the kids. One of the younger children was having so much fun, he made a real impression on all of the players. One of them even gave the child his professional-looking Nike gloves!

Remembering that our program works to advocate for and provide a voice to abandoned, abused and neglected children, one can imagine the positive impact an experience like this might have. An enjoyable and memorable event like this clearly made a difference and is no doubt still being discussed by the children as the Seminoles continue this season undefeated 9-0.

We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Florida State University, the Seminoles Football Program, players and staff, Ochuko Jeniji, Brian Sealey, CAII and our great volunteers and staff for putting this event on and making the day special for our program's children.

Photographs of Note

by David July

Circuit Director Deborah Moore wanted to share a few photographs that she took of community supporters making donations during the 2013 holiday season.

Members of The Tallahassee Barristers Association deliver donated turkeys and gift baskets to the Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program offices in Tallahassee, Florida on November 25, 2013.

Employees of Deloitte Touche deliver donated toys and gifts for the CAII Holiday Wish List Drive to the Second Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program offices in Tallahassee, Florida on December 20, 2013.

Photo: WoodleyWonderworks

Kudos: Robin Barrow

by David July
Saturday, October 26, 2013

We really enjoy sharing Kudos posts, special thank you and congratulatory messages to our volunteers from program staff. In this instance, the kudos to our volunteer comes from a child advocacy coordinator in the neighboring Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.

In an email to our Circuit Director Deborah Moore, CAC Carol Ann Fischer shared her gratitude and spoke quite highly of our volunteer, Robin Barrow.

Good Morning Deborah:

I wanted to take a minute to send a quick thank you and hope you will please pass it on to your volunteer.

Your circuit has been providing courtesy for us on [a case] and Robin Barrow has been the [guardian ad litem volunteer]. She is excellent. We had a [termination of parental rights] trial this week and she came over for the trial and was a huge support for the child during her testimony.

She is an awesome volunteer and the fact that she took time to drive to [Panama City] for the trial and be here with the child is so wonderful.

Thank you so much and if you will please extend our thanks to Robin.

Carol Ann Fischer
Child Advocate Coordinator II
Fourteenth Judicial Circuit

Thanks to Carol Ann Fischer for sharing this with us and to Robin Barrow for her exemplary work!

Kudos: Diane Molitaris

by Caitlyn Kio
Sunday, January 12, 2014

I would like to give kudos to Diane Molitaris for her work and dedication to the children in our community.

Diane is extremely committed to the program and recently celebrated her thirty-year anniversary as a volunteer. She excels at collecting details to ensure that the team's recommendations are well-informed and never misses visits with the children.

Congratulations and thank you to Diane, a dedicated child advocate!

Photograph: Diane Molitaris (center) accepts an award from CAII Board President Brian Sealey and Circuit Director Deborah Moore at Guardian ad Litem Appreciation Day on June 15, 2013.

Kudos: Four Outstanding Volunteers

by Caitlyn Kio
Thursday, January 16, 2014

I have worked with a lot of amazing guardians ad litem recently. Kudos to the following four volunteers who made a difference!

Taylor Greenberg
Thank you for always being so on top of your case and being ready to jump to action when the unexpected happens.

Frank Platt
If I did not know that you were the guardian ad litem, I might have though you were the mediator. You are able to maintain positive working relationships with all parties on your case — a very useful skill!

Lisa Peerson
You are a top-notch guardian ad litem, an ever so helpful volunteer team leader and now a superstar foster parent. You are one of the best jugglers that I know!

Elizabeth Adejokun-Ojo
You are so committed to your guardian ad litem kids. When placements occur, you are ready to visit as soon as you get the address, no matter how far the child has gone. Thanks for your dedication!

Kudos: Emma Henderson

by Tiffany Ottley-Hymes
Thursday, January 16, 2014

I would like to give kudos to guardian ad litem volunteer Emma Henderson, who goes above and beyond for the child in her case.

Emma has been in touch with the child's probation officer and helped the child to get an incomplete in a class in lieu of being failed. She also took the child to get a learners permit.

Thank you to Emma for being an outstanding volunteer!

Last Month at a Glance

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October 2013

→ Kudos: Stuart Zirin

→ New Event: Child Well-Being Training, Part II

→ Updates to Events, Pages and Posts

→ New Events: Continuing Education and Special Event

→ Volunteer Nominated for Humanitarian Service Award

→ Director's Column: October 2013

→ New Event: Leadership and Team Building Workshop

→ Family in Need: Bunk Beds [Fulfilled]

→ Family in Need: Bunk Beds

→ New Events: Continuing Education Training

→ New Event: Community Outreach and Continuing Education

→ CAII Welcomes New Partner: Storage Center at SouthWood

→ Family in Need: Stage 2 Car Seat [Fulfilled]

→ New Event: Make A Difference Day 2013

→ Family in Need: Crib, Changing Table, Drawer Chest, Vacuum

→ New Events: Continuing Education Training

→ Twenty New Volunteers Sworn In As Guardians ad Litem

→ Clarification of Age Requirement for Volunteers

→ Event Cancellation Announcement

→ New Event, Added Community Supporter

→ Second Judicial Circuit Pet Therapy Program Example to Nation

→ Family in Need: Twin Bed

→ Kudos: Robin Barrow

November 2013

→ Family in Need: Recovery from House Fire

→ Family in Need: Beds for Child and Adult

→ New Event: CAII Murder Mystery Party

→ New Continuing Education Article for 2014–2015 Added

→ Statewide GAL Program Budget Request and Plan Presented

→ In Print: The Florida Bar News

→ Family in Need: Twin Beds [Fulfilled]

→ New Continuing Education Article for 2014–2015 Added

→ New Events: Continuing Education Training

→ New Event: CAII Cupcakes and Cookies for Kids

→ Seminoles Football Team Hosts Special Event for GAL Children

→ In Print: Guardian ad Litem — A Chance to Make a Difference

→ New Events: Fundraiser and Continuing Education

→ New Events: Continuing Education Training

→ New Event: CAII at the Alternative Christmas Market

→ New Events: Continuing Education Training

→ CAII Joins FindLearnGive.org to Help Promote Our Mission

December 2013

→ December Pre-Service Training Cancelled

January 2014

→ Volunteer Training Schedule for 2014

→ DVAC Links Volunteers to the State Office

→ Continuing Education Reminder, New Events and Articles Added

→ Family in Need: Beds, Towels, Pots and Pans

→ Family in Need: Furniture, Kitchen Supplies

→ CAII Partner and Community Supporters Update

→ Reminder: CAII Cupcakes and Cookies for Kids

→ New Event: Continuing Education Training

→ In Print: Cupcakes and Cookies for Kids Fundraiser

→ Free Educational Websites for Children

→ Kudos: Diane Molitaris

→ Executive Director Alan Abramowitz Reappointed

→ Family in Need: Weights and Weight Bench

→ Kudos: Four Outstanding Volunteers

→ Kudos: Emma Henderson

→ WFSU 'Perspectives' Features GAL Program, Upcoming Fundraiser

You can also view the Events Archive to see all past events.

Upcoming Events

We regularly host a variety of events to provide community outreach, raise awareness of our program, recruit new volunteers, fund raise and furnish training to our volunteer guardians ad litem.

The following upcoming events are currently scheduled. Visit the Events page to view all scheduled events, our calendar and lists.