Tampa, Fla. (Thursday, October 12, 2017) They don’t seek gifts, they don’t want pity, they simply need your time to help them through one of the most difficult periods of their young lives.
There are approximately 3,600 children in the foster care system in Hillsborough County; that’s more than any other county in Florida. Of these children, there are over 1,500 unrepresented in the Hillsborough County dependency court system.
“The holidays are some of the toughest times for these children,” says Guardian ad Litem of Hillsborough County director Tabitha Lambert. “Having someone there for them makes all the difference in the world.”
To give the ultimate gift to a child in need, individuals simply need to register for the final classes of the year, scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, 2017 and run for five evenings from 6-9 P.M. at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Tampa.
GAL volunteers come from all walks of life; from CEOs to stay-at-home-parents and from doctors to retirees. All training, background checks and resources are taken care of by GAL and volunteers only need to commit 12-15 hours a month to help a child who might otherwise fall victim to an intimidating judicial system
“Courtrooms can be a scary place for anyone, let alone a child with no support system. Our time of need for new volunteers is now and we need your help today. Please lend your voice to a child in need,” Lambert added.
Those interested in becoming a GAL are invited to attend one of GAL’s final informational session on Thursday, October 19, at 6 P.M. at Higgins Hall, 5225 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL or Thursday, October 26, at 6 P.M. at the GAL Office at 700 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL. Please contact the GAL recruitment department at 813-272-5110 or visit galtampa.org for more information.
About GAL
The Guardian ad Litem Program is an agency that focuses on children’s best interests. Guardian ad Litem (GALs) are volunteers, who are appointed by the Court, to advocate – speak up – for the best interest of a child who has been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The majority of these children have been removed from their homes and placed with relatives or foster parents.