More than 1,100 First Coast Children Left Without a Voice Each Year

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. - On any given day, more than 3,300 abused, abandoned or neglected children in Jacksonville are involved in our local court system. The state's Guardian ad Litem program ensure that as many as 2,200 of those children are represented during court proceedings. Still more than 1,100 children in our community each year are left without a voice in court.

The Florida Guardian ad Litem program consists of volunteers, staff and legal professionals who act as advocates on behalf of these children during the extensive legal process. Voices for Children of the First Coast is a nonprofit organization that supports the 4th Judicial Circuit's Guardian ad Litem program, spanning Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties.

“Guardians change children's lives for the better,” said John Wagener, chair of the Voices for Children Board of Directors. “And, in changing one child's life, we may be changing the lives of their children and their children's children for generations to come. We desperately need more volunteer Guardians.”

Volunteers must pass legal background checks and complete 30 hours of training to become certified Guardians ad Litem. Guardians are responsible for gathering facts surrounding a child's case, reviewing reports, visiting a child's home, school or placement and providing the court with an unbiased recommendation on what is required to serve the best interests of the child.

With more children entering the dependency court system each day, Voices for Children of the First Coast needs your support to help ensure that Jacksonville's neglected and abused children have a voice in the crucial decisions affecting their futures.

For more information about how you can become a volunteer Guardian or support Voices for Children of the First Coast financially, call 630-1200 or go online to voicesforchildrenjax.org.