Largest class of Guardian ad Litems are certified

But more volunteers are needed. Children who need help far outnumber Guardian ad Litems.

By ARLEEN SPENCELEY
Published July 11, 2007

LAND O'LAKES - It may be one of the hardest jobs any volunteer can do - be a legal voice for a child who has been abused, abandoned or neglected.

But in Pasco County, at least, there seem to be people willing to step forward and take on the challenge.

Pasco's Guardian ad Litem program recently certified 19 volunteers, the largest class ever.

"We did something different this time," said Donna Rasmussen, circuit director of the Guardian ad Litem program in the 6th Judicial Circuit. "(And) we've really been trying to get the word out more about our program."

The program puts volunteers through a preparation process that includes several interviews, background checks and 30 hours of training. This time, the training was held at First United Methodist Church in Land O'Lakes, and the participants graduated June 2.

Now that they are certified, the volunteers will represent children who have been separated from their parents or guardians after the court finds that abuse or neglect has occurred.

"(We are) the voice of the child; our main concern is the child," said Delia Carter, one of the 19 recent graduates. "Not the parent, not the state of Florida, but the child."

Most guardians handle two cases at a time.

"Kids are brought into the system because they need to be protected," Rasmussen said. "(Guardian ad Litems) investigate the parents, relatives (and) needs of the child, so we can fairly report to the court; we don't rely on the state's representations of how mom or dad is doing."

After a Guardian ad Litem makes an assessment, he or she will report to the judge, and make recommendations as to where the child should live. Each volunteer is assisted by an attorney and others from the program.

"We provide them support and guidance," Rasmussen said. "We have attorneys who go to court because you can do the investigation (and) you can have really great recommendations, but if you don't have a legal component, then you're not going to be successful."

Carter, 57, is already familiar with the legal component.

"This is just basically a continuation of my law enforcement," said the retired Pasco County sheriff's deputy. "When I was working, I was going to volunteer, but it was a conflict of interest as long as I was working for the Sheriff's Office."

So as soon as she retired, she got involved.

And she knew the organization needed the help.

"We need to be out there fighting for these children," she said. "The dockets are full of these cases with kids that need people to help them out."

In Pasco, there are about 160 Guardian ad Litem volunteers, but 760 children to represent. And in Pinellas, there are about 300 volunteers, and 2,700 children.

According to Carter, the program still needs more volunteers.

"You know, we had a class of 19; and that was great; that was the largest ever," she said. "But not every class is going to have 19."

Veteran Guardian ad Litem Betty Jo Hyder agreed.

"I think until somehow, we train better parents, that there's going to continue to be a great need for guardians," said the 77-year-old retired teacher, who has represented children as young as 2 days old and as old as 17. "Anybody that feels they can get into being a guardian, I'd strongly recommend it."

Hyder has been a Guardian ad Litem for nine years, and Carter is working on her first case. But both are grateful for the chance to help those who need it.

"I can't think of a better way of contributing something to this place we call earth than to help a child out," Carter said. "It's not going to be rewarding all the time, (but) at least you know you did your part."

Hyder agreed.

"That's why we do it," she said. "And that's the reward."

Fast Facts:

If you want to help

For more information on the Guardian ad Litem program in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, call (727) 464-6528.

For more information on the Guardian ad Litem program in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, call (727) 464-6528.

[Last modified July 10, 2007, 22:18:57]