Guardian ad Litem 8th Judicial Circuit

10/07/2026

September is National Kinship Care Month!

Kinship care is when children’s parents are unable to care for them and relatives or non-relatives step in to provide the crucial support and stability they need. This helps maintain consistency and important family connections.

Recently, grandparents opened their home to care for their grandchildren. The children’s Florida Guardian ad Litem Office team, including Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Jenn Cordell and Guardian ad Litem Attorneys Kelly Chiado and Alicia Tarrant, supported the grandparents by connecting them with necessary resources and providing information to the court about the children and family.

Working with Jenn, the grandparents addressed learning gaps and even taught cursive at home when it was no longer taught at school. They encouraged the children’s interests, involving them in activities like volleyball and soccer. The grandparents also collaborated closely with the children’s parents and actively participated in court proceedings, knowing they could reach out to their Guardian ad Litem team for support.

Their dedication is a meaningful example of the important role kinship caregivers can play in providing children with stability, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive.

Thank you to these caregivers — and to everyone who supports kinship families. You are making a difference every day for these children.

To learn how you can make an impact, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

10/07/2026

Meet the Leadership of our Florida Guardian ad Litem Office CHAMPIONS!

Our Florida Guardian ad Litem Office CHAMPIONS are helping turn personal experience into purpose — and we are proud to introduce Robert Hurley, Chair, and Amberlynn Oswold, Vice-Chair.

Robert Hurley | Chair
Robert is one of the original members of our Florida Guardian ad Litem Office CHAMPIONS. After entering foster care at age nine, he went on to attend Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Biochemistry and Biophysics. Now back in Florida, Robert is using his perspective and experiences to help strengthen the future for children and young adults in care.

Amberlynn Oswold | Vice-Chair
Amberlynn entered foster care at age eight and has turned her experiences into a commitment to helping improve the systems that support children and families. She currently works as an Assistant Property Manager while studying Communications and Journalism and plans to attend law school.

Together, Robert and Amberlynn bring strong leadership, thoughtful perspective, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful change for Florida’s children and young adults in care.

Follow our Florida Guardian ad Litem Office CHAMPIONS as they continue working to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for children and young adults across Florida.

10/05/2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 at 10:30 AM for good fare and fun!

We are gathering at Resident Coffee (4401 NW 25th Place, Gainesville).

Please let us know if you plan to attend, we hope to see you there!

09/28/2026

Our CHAMPIONS have been on the move across Florida!

Over the past few weeks, CHAMPIONS panels have brought together members of our Guardian ad Litem community, local stakeholders and community leaders in Circuits 4, 6,10 and 13, for meaningful conversations about the experiences of children and young adults in Florida’s child welfare system.

We were excited to see so many community leaders attend, ask questions and engage directly with our CHAMPIONS. These conversations provide valuable insight that can help strengthen how we represent the legal interests of children in court and in the community.

Thank you to our CHAMPIONS, our local teams and everyone who joined these important discussions.

Want to make a difference for a child in your community? Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer and be part of the team that represents the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect.

Learn more and get started at guardianadlitem.org

09/23/2026

September is National Child Welfare Workforce Appreciation and Development Month, and we’re proud to recognize our Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Managers who work each day to make a difference for children and families across Florida.

Their dedication, compassion and commitment help strengthen the teams that represent the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment and neglect.

Thank you to our Child Advocate Managers for the important work you do every day. 💙💛

09/18/2026

Florida Guardian ad Litem Office at the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit!

Last week, child welfare professionals from across the state, including staff and volunteers from the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, came together at the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit to share knowledge, best practices and ideas for continuing to help Florida’s children. Our team appreciated the opportunity to learn from others while also sharing information about the Office and how we represent the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment and neglect.

A highlight of the Summit was seeing members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office’s CHAMPIONS take the stage to share their perspectives, insights and ideas during several workshops. CHAMPIONS draw from their own experiences in Florida’s child welfare system to help inform conversations about policies, practices and the support provided to children and young adults across our state.

During the Summit, CHAMPIONS spoke about the importance of sibling relationships and shared advice with child welfare professionals who are helping teens prepare for their next chapter. We are incredibly grateful to our CHAMPIONS for sharing their experiences and continuing to make an impact.

Other members of our team also shared their knowledge, including Assistant Director Wendy Rodriguez and Child Advocate Manager Supervisor Paige Cueto from Circuit 19, who presented “Engaging Families in Meaningful Change.” Opportunities like the Summit allow us to learn from one another, share what we know and continue working toward our shared purpose of helping Florida’s children thrive.

Follow our page to learn more about the CHAMPIONS and how their experiences are helping shape the work we do for Florida’s children. Visit www.guardianadlitem.org to learn how you can get involved.

09/11/2026

Today, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honors the heroes, first responders, service members, and families forever impacted by that day.

Patriot Day is a reminder of the strength found in compassion, community, and stepping forward to serve others — values that continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families across Florida.

We will never forget.

09/11/2026

What a great week at the 2026 Florida Children and Families Summit in Orlando!
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office was proud to attend, participate and connect with child welfare professionals, community partners and leaders from across the state.
One of the highlights was our interactive booth, where we asked attendees to share their “why” — why they volunteer, why they serve, why they support children and families, or what inspires them to be part of this work.
Throughout the day, attendees added their “why” on sticky notes, and we uploaded their responses to our interactive screen. As more people participated, the display continued to change and grow, reflecting the many different reasons people across Florida are committed to making a difference. We loved seeing attendees stop by, participate and read what others had shared.
Members of our Guardian ad Litem team from across the state also participated as presenters throughout the Summit, sharing their knowledge and experience as part of important conversations about Florida’s child welfare system.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by and shared your WHY!
What could your “why” be? Become a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer and be part of the team representing the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Learn more and get started at guardianadlitem.org

09/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1487518916742072&set=a.247972154030094

🌟 With determination, dedication, and unwavering support, one teen is rewriting her future! 🌟

Child Advocate Manager Sharice Jean-Bart was assigned to help represent and support a teen. The teen, who was starting her senior year, felt anxious and overwhelmed, being a year behind due to past challenges and unsure if she could graduate on time.

Sharice sprang into action, providing reassurance and encouragement. Together, they met with the school, devised a plan, and the teen dove into it, working tirelessly and updating Sharice every step of the way. She dedicated herself to her assignments, often staying up late, never giving up despite the challenges. Sharice believed in her and helped her believe in herself.

When it came time for the standardized test necessary for her diploma, she missed passing by just two points. Though devastated, she didn’t give up. With Sharice's guidance, they worked on study strategies and tools to prepare for the next attempt. Sharice assured her that this setback didn’t define her future.

On her retake, she nailed it, earning her diploma and surpassing expectations. Everyone celebrated her achievement, with Sharice proudly by her side.

After graduation, they completed her college application together. They celebrated together when she got her acceptance letter. She's starting this semester. Sharice helped her secure a laptop from a local community partner so she can start with confidence.

With support, encouragement, and incredible determination, this teen has overcome every obstacle, moving confidently into her future with Sharice by her side.

Want to change a teen's life? Visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

08/18/2026

Positive, supportive adults can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children.
Guardian ad Litem Volunteers, who are integral members of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's multidisciplinary team, help the Office represent and support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in court and the community.
Are you ready to become part of the team?
Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer at

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a powerful voice on behalf of Florida's abused children.