listeningwithlex

Two young children were sheltered in September of 2023 due to allegations of substance abuse and deplorable living conditions while living in the home of their father and stepmother. Shortly after the shelter, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer from Circuit Eight, Deanna Verboort was assigned to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office team for this case. Deanna visited the children in their foster placements. She also visited the older child at school to ensure she received the appropriate services.

It was determined that the children’s biological mother was living in another state and had not had contact with her children for several years; after contact was made with their mother, there was no doubt that the mother wanted her children. An Interstate Compact on the Placement Home Study was requested, and the mother’s home study was approved.

A judge granted the mother’s motion for reunification in December of 2023. When the mother learned the order had been signed, she and her family were going to Florida to get the children. It was a 14-hour trip, and they drove all night, arriving at the Community Based Care office the next day. When the children arrived, they both jumped out of their foster parent’s vehicle, and the children jumped into their mother’s arms and said, “I have missed you so much!” They embraced with the biggest hug. All three were excited and had smiles on their faces as they were so happy to be reunited.

Although this story was written in three paragraphs, much work was completed by this Florida Guardian ad Litem Office team that consisted of an attorney, child welfare professional, and Guardian ad Litem Volunteer. Together, with determination, the team made reunification with their mother a reality.

We have volunteer opportunities throughout Florida in every community. Make a difference today. Fill out our inquiry form and a member from your local Florida Guardian ad Litem Office will contact you.

https://guardianadlitem.org/volunteer-with-guardian-ad-litem/volunteer-inquiry/