Included in your package are the following forms:
1. Parent Guardian Permission For Child To Participate
2. Guardianship Current Assets
3. Guardianship Expenditures
4. Guardianship Receipts
5. Power of Attorney for Care of Minor Child
6. Waiver and Release From Liability For Minor Child for School Field Trip
A Guardian ad Item (GAL) in Florida is an individual appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children involved in legal proceedings, particularly those related to divorce, child custody, abuse, and neglect cases. The GAL acts as an independent representative and assesses the child's situation, investigates the circumstances, and makes recommendations to the court regarding the child's welfare. The primary role of a Guardian ad Item in Florida is to gather information and provide objective insight on the child's needs and preferences. They ensure that the child's voice is heard in the legal process, especially when the child might not have the ability or opportunity to advocate for themselves effectively. Gals typically conduct interviews with the child, parents, caregivers, teachers, and other involved parties to gather relevant evidence and assess the child's physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Guardians ad Item in Florida are required to complete specialized training programs that equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles effectively. They also work in collaboration with other professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and attorneys to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the child's circumstances. There are various types of Guardian ad Item in Florida, each specializing in different areas of child advocacy: 1. Dependency Guardians ad Item: These Gals focus on children involved in abuse, neglect, or abandonment investigations and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency. 2. Family Guardian ad Item: These Gals are appointed to cases involving divorce, child custody disputes, or visitation rights. They investigate the family dynamics, assess the impact on the child, and make recommendations to the court. 3. Special Advocacy Guardian ad Item: These Gals are assigned to children with special needs, disabilities, or those involved in specific legal proceedings, such as delinquency or termination of parental rights. 4. Domestic Violence Guardians ad Item: These Gals specialize in cases where there is a history or ongoing issue of domestic violence, striving to ensure the child's safety and well-being when evaluating custody or visitation matters. Guardian ad Item programs are available throughout Florida, with each judicial circuit having its own program to appoint and support Gals. These programs recruit, train, and supervise volunteers or employ professionals to serve as Gals, aiming to protect and advocate for the rights and best interests of children in the legal system.
