Florida needs to ensure that all foster children have legal representation | Column
The Legislature is considering a bill that would help reform how foster childrenâs legal needs are met.
Â
Â
Florida's Guardian ad Litem volunteers are wonderful, well-intentioned people; many who have served our children have been fierce advocates and remain present in our childrenâs lives after their cases are resolved. But Floridaâs decades of experience shows that a volunteer driven system is incapable of achieving even 70% representation. [ Florida Guardian ad Litem ]
Published 5 hours ago
Updated 5 hours ago
As a foster parent for the last 11 years, I have seen first-hand many ways in which our well-intentioned system further traumatizes the children it is mandated to help. Sibling separation, placement changes without transition, services ordered but not provided, parents reunited without the support they need to help them keep their children safe and well at home are just a few examples.