1. Normalcy and Enrichment
The Children’s Guardian Fund (CGF) provides for the unmet and special needs of abused and neglected children who become dependents of the state. Many of them have never had their own birthday cake, book or stuffed animal. Upon request from the volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GALs) who work with these children, CGF provides funding for specific items or experiences like summer camp or music/art/sports lessons. The need may be seemingly small and simple, like a prom dress or soccer cleats, or as significant as required materials for vocational school. Each request the CGF fulfills is in response to a particular child's physical and emotional well-being.

2. Providing a Voice for Every Child
GAL and CGF are committed to the goal that no child goes to court and through the child welfare system without a personal advocate. In part because of state and county budget cuts and underfunding, our continuing effort to provide a voice for every child is more important than ever. In the past year we have reached our goal of 100% representation for the children of our judicial circuit. Our goal now is to maintain that percentage! The Florida state average is 40%. Guardian ad Litem volunteers are the biggest single factor in making a difference in the lives of abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Click here for information on how to make a donation.

3. Bridge to the Future/Next Step
The newest programs of the CGF advocate for youths in need of extra support as they find themselves aging out of care and transitioning to self-sufficient adults. Children ‘graduating’ from foster homes have a far higher rate of homelessness, incarceration and unemployment than the population as a whole. Funds raised for this at-risk group might go toward housing and utility deposits; bus passes, gas cards or bikes; and clothing specific to a first job: uniforms, dress clothes, etc. In addition, Next Step was founded as a trio-team mentoring organization, which has now also developed a peer tutoring program.