En Guard! For The Kids
by Kevin Fritz
Hundreds of local children in the child welfare system – some abused, others abandoned or neglected – need legal help. And while the Guardian ad Litem office in Sanford exists to represent Seminole County’s littlest citizens in court and the community, the organization can’t do it alone.
Guardian ad Litem needs more volunteers like Oviedo’s Rick Scovel and Karyn Kaplan from Winter Springs. Both Rick and Karyn have volunteered for years to help children who, through no fault of their own, require assistance to turn their lives around for the better.
Rick, who enjoyed a 38-year career in law enforcement, had retired and was looking for something to do. A friend suggested Guardian ad Litem. That was almost 14 years ago, and Rick is still going strong with the organization.
“It connected with me,” he says. “It’s the most rewarding job I have ever had.”
Making a Difference
Rick has worked with about 100 children, guiding them and advocating for them until their needs are met and they find a loving, permanent home. He still sees some of them around town. Some continue to call just to say hello. Rick’s attachment to the kids he helps is strong.
“What I really enjoy is the bond you can make with these children,” he notes. “You develop trust. At the time, you are the most consistent adult in their lives.”
Karyn Kaplan became a Guardian ad Litem more than 11 years ago after stopping by the organization’s booth at a Southern Women’s Show. The opportunity to help children immediately grabbed her attention.
“I lived in Guatemala for a short time and worked with preschool children there,” she says. “I love working with kids. I have heard stories of kids getting lost in the system and knew I could help.”
Guardian ad Litem matches volunteers with their age preference. Karyn chose to assist the younger set, mostly 12 and under. Once she was assigned to a baby. Her first case involved four children who were removed from a home with a methamphetamine lab. She has handled around 30 cases since joining the team.
“It can be heartbreaking sometimes but very rewarding most of the time,” says Karyn. “You feel like you are doing something so a child will have a good chance to get the life they deserve.”
The Need Is Real
The number of children in need of assistance changes daily. As of the end of September, the agency's Seminole County branch was responsible for 353 children in 206 court cases, yet the office only had 137 volunteers. Statewide numbers are even more troubling, with 36,000 children who need advocates.
“It would be ideal if we could have one volunteer for every case that comes in,” says Amy Lipscomb, volunteer recruiter for the Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem office, Circuit 18.
The need for additional volunteers is more than a numbers issue. Children who receive help from a Guardian ad Litem volunteer are half as likely to languish in foster care and are more likely to find a safe and permanent home.
Guardian ad Litem trains and supports volunteers to speak and act as advocates for the children. To become a volunteer, you must pass a thorough background check, be interviewed by the volunteer recruiter, and attend 30 hours of online training classes, followed by a day-and-a-half of in-person training.
“After being extensively trained, they are paired with a child,” says Amy, adding that volunteers are required to visit the child’s residence at least once a month and must be available for occasional daytime court appearances.
Part of the Guardian ad Litem commitment is providing information to a judge about the child and what is in their best interest. Volunteers average about 12 to 15 hours of service a month.
“I encourage anyone to contact our recruiter,” says Rick. “The volunteers are incredible and the case managers outstanding.”
Adds Karyn, “Anyone who volunteers receives a tremendous amount of support from the organization and the courts. You are never working alone.”
To learn more about Guardian ad Litem, call 407-665-5370 or email GALSeminoleInfo@SeminoleCountyFL.gov.