Become A Guardian!

We need your help! The children of Hillsborough County need your help. Can you imagine being taken from your home, separated from your family and placed in a strangers care? Never knowing when you will see a familiar face again and wondering what you did wrong? If you answered “Yes, I can!” then you understand the essential need for GAL volunteers. Children who have been abused or neglected often want someone to talk to, someone who listens to them, and they clearly need someone who will SPEAK on their behalf? They can not be left on their own as they try and navigate an over-burdened court system that is well meaning and which tries to protect them, but which often falls short.

There are times when these children feel lost and alone and need someone who will be there -- just for them. We can promise you that becoming a GAL volunteer will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Who does this important job? People just like you! The Guardian ad Litem Program provides training, lots of trained staff support who are all ready to help you at a moments notice.

For additional information on becoming a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, please click on the following link: frequently asked questions or call our office at 813-272-5110.

To learn more about the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer, please click here to view a job description in Word format, or here in PDF.

Follow this link if you are ready to submit your application.

Training Schedules

Click on month to open a PDF file in a new browser window.

March/April 2009

July 2009 — North Tampa

July 2009 — Brandon

Call our offices at 813-272-5110 to reserve your seat in our next training class.

Guardian ad Litem Training Sessions are conducted approximately every other month, 2 nights a week, for approximately 5 weeks. Training classes are held throughout Hillsborough County. Each training class is begun by a two hour orientation conducted by our Director that is designed to answer ALL of your questions about becoming a GAL volunteer, so even if you’re not absolutely sure this is the right volunteer job for you, plan to attend the Orientation session.

Even if you have not RSVP’d, you are more than welcomed to attend our Orientation and receive information at that time. We always have room for more!