Guardian ad Litem Osceola - 9th Circuit

10/29/2026

It's National Celebration of Pro Bono week, and the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is proud to recognize the dedicated pro bono attorneys who generously give their time, talents, and legal expertise to make a difference for Florida's children.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Pro Bono Hero for Kids Morgan Theodore!

Morgan is one of our wonderful Defending Best Interests (DBI) pro bono attorneys. These attorneys work with our appellate team to write answer briefs and represent children during the appeals process using the best interests standard of decision-making. With the full support of the Office, they meticulously review records and craft briefs that tell each child's story, protect their legal rights, and help overcome obstacles to permanency.

Morgan joined DBI in 2023 and consistently accepts cases from the Office. She has donated more than 40 hours of legal services, preparing briefs in nine appellate cases involving 13 children. Her work has provided important legal advocacy for children during a critical stage of their dependency cases. She makes giving back to children in her community who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect a priority.

Thank you, Morgan, for giving your time and legal skills to Florida's children! We are grateful for you and the many pro bono attorneys across the state who generously give their time to children represented by our Office.

Are you an attorney interested in making a difference? Become a Pro Bono Hero for Kids!

Learn more at www.guardianadlitem.org.

10/29/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our Pro Bono Heroes for Kids! 🎉

It's National Celebration of Pro Bono Week, and the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office is proud to recognize the dedicated pro bono attorneys who generously give their time, talents, and legal expertise to make a difference for Florida's children.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Pro Bono Hero for Kids Elizabeth Berkowitz!

Since joining the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer in December 2012, Elizabeth has dedicated more than 220 hours to advocating for and helping represent the legal interests of 16 children who are victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect.

In 2025, Elizabeth took on a particularly challenging case, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to a child navigating multiple placements. She has devoted more than 45 hours and traveled over 450 miles to support the child throughout the case.

Working alongside a Guardian ad Litem Attorney, Elizabeth advocated for educational stability, expanded family visitation, and meaningful family therapy to strengthen the child's relationship with her mother. Her commitment continued through the child's reunification with her family.

Elizabeth's dedication demonstrates the lasting impact one pro bono attorney can make in a child's life!

💙 Thank you, Elizabeth, for your compassion, commitment, and service to Florida's children! We are grateful for you and the many pro bono attorneys across the state who generously give their time to children represented by our Office.

Are you an attorney interested in making a difference? Become a Pro Bono Hero for Kids!

Learn more at www.guardianadlitem.org.

10/22/2026

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office's work representing the legal interests of children doesn't end when a case is appealed.

Through our Defending Best Interests initiative, pro bono attorneys play an important role in helping protect the legal interests of Florida's abused, abandoned, and neglected children throughout the appellate process.

Become a pro bono attorney with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office and make a difference in the lives of children!

Learn more at www.GuardianadLitem.org.

10/18/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence can have a lasting impact on children, affecting their emotional well-being and sense of safety. Helping them heal is an important step toward a brighter future.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents the legal interests of these children in court and in the community, advocating for their safety, well-being and permanency. Our team, including Guardian ad Litem Volunteers and mentors, plays an important role in supporting these children and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Join us in making a difference! Learn more about becoming a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer at www.guardianadlitem.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 for resources and support. 💜

10/08/2026

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.

09/27/2026

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

09/21/2026

MENTOR NEEDED
A driven 17-year-old teen is looking for a positive, supportive mentor to connect with as she prepares for adulthood.
She is passionate about dance team and fashion and is focused on working hard toward her goals in school and in life. She would love to connect with a mentor who shares some of her interests and can provide encouragement, guidance, and a consistent, supportive presence along the way.
Mentoring can happen in the everyday moments: talking about goals, celebrating accomplishments, navigating challenges, or simply spending time together doing something you both enjoy.
Could you be the connection she’s looking for?
Learn more about becoming a Mentor at guardianadlitem.org.

09/20/2026

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