TALLAHASSEE — On Dec. 7, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, demonstrating continued support for Florida’s abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

“Governor DeSantis maintains his commitment to our Office’s efforts as we continue to provide high-quality independent legal representation and community advocacy protecting the life, liberty, and safety of children involved in Florida’s dependency court proceedings,” said Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office Executive Director Dennis W. Moore. “Our dedicated employees, pro bono attorneys, volunteers and mentors are critical to Florida’s most vulnerable children. Governor DeSantis understands the importance of the ability to shape a young life profoundly affects our collective future.”

Funding for the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office in Governor DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal includes:

• Increase Staff to Represent All Children
○ $837,235 in recurring General Revenue funding and 9 FTE positions to transition employees currently funded by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants to the Office. VOCA positions were reduced in federal budget recommendations.

• New Positions

○ Two new positions to handle the expansion of the Hope Florida – Pathway to Promise mentoring initiative.

In 2022, the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office represented more than 35,000 children throughout Florida, with over 800 employees and 8,000 volunteers. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida will continue to be a leader in child welfare representation across the country based on data and evidence.

To learn more about the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.