In courtrooms across Florida, the smallest voices often go unheard — unless a Guardian ad Litem speaks up. In Pensacola, dozens of children navigating abuse, neglect or abandonment find strength in the volunteers who stand with them when no one else will. Sara Urban, Guardian ad Litem director of recruitment and statewide event coordinator, recently shared more about the organization’s important work.
What is the Guardian ad Litem Office?
The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents the legal interests of children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect. Each child is assigned a multidisciplinary team that includes a Guardian ad Litem attorney, a child welfare professional and, ideally, a trained volunteer from the community. Together, the Guardian ad Litem team provides high-quality legal representation while building meaningful connections with the child, gathering critical information and advocating for the child’s needs in court and the community. Each team member plays a vital role in supporting the child’s well-being throughout their involvement in the child welfare system.
For those unfamiliar, can you explain the core mission of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office and how it works in practice?
To provide the most vulnerable children in Florida with an adult from their community who will be a consistent, positive presence in the child’s life as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes an attorney, child welfare professional and hopefully a community volunteer providing the highest quality community advocacy and legal representation to protect each child’s legal interests. To provide dependency judges with thorough and accurate information regarding the children under the court’s jurisdiction.
Why does this matter in Escambia
and Santa Rosa Counties?
Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties have approximately 1,170 children in the child welfare system. In 2024, the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office served 31,000 children throughout the state. While the numbers may fluctuate, the need remains consistent — children in our own community need someone willing to walk with them. Volunteers from all walks of life can make a meaningful difference in the life of a child right here at home.
What led you personally to become involved with Florida Guardian ad Litem Office, and what keeps you inspired in this work?
I became involved because I believe every child deserves someone in their corner. What keeps me inspired is witnessing our volunteers and staff show up day after day for children who have already faced so much. Their resilience and dedication are truly powerful.
What are the biggest challenges your office faces in meeting the needs of vulnerable children here in our community?
Our biggest challenge includes recruiting and retaining enough volunteers.
What is the most rewarding — and the most challenging — aspect of your role?
The most rewarding part of this work is seeing the difference we can make — whether it’s helping reunify a family, celebrating a child’s graduation, supporting consistent school placement, connecting a teen with a mentor or simply being a steady, trusted presence during a time of uncertainty. The greatest challenge is finding enough committed volunteers to help provide that sense of stability and support to every child who needs it.
The Office meets its mission through a dedicated team that works to provide each child with a consistent advocate – someone who knows them, understands their needs, and can independently investigate and offer the court critical information to support informed decisions.
How does the Guardian ad Litem volunteer role differ from the Guardian ad Litem attorney or child welfare professional?
The Guardian ad Litem volunteer works on the child’s multi-disciplinary team alongside the attorney and child welfare professional to represent the child using a best interest standard of decision-making. Each member of the team builds a connection with the child and takes the time to understand the details of their life. Guardian ad Litem volunteers are community members who choose to stand up for these children. They often form one-on-one connections, and, in some cases, are the one consistent presence throughout the case and beyond. Together, the team provides the court with clear, consistent recommendations that prioritize the child’s safety, stability and future.
What qualifications or training are required to volunteer with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office?
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and complete training provided by our office. No legal background is required — just a willingness to show up, listen and make a difference. Training is tailored to the volunteer role chosen. Volunteers are supported every step of the way with expert guidance, mentorship and ongoing education.
Is there currently a waiting list of children in need of a Guardian ad Litem volunteer or mentor?
While every child in the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office – Circuit One is represented by both a Guardian ad Litem attorney and a child welfare professional, we are still working to increase the number of community volunteers and pro bono attorneys who serve as the third vital member of the team. Local teens in foster care are also waiting for mentors to help guide them as they prepare for adulthood. To help support our team and to reach these goals, we need more volunteers.
Can you share an example that illustrates the difference a Guardian ad Litem volunteer made in a child’s life?
A 17-year-old who had dropped out of school was paired with a Guardian ad Litem volunteer who helped enroll him in a technical program, secured tutoring and drove him to class. Today, he’s working full-time in HVAC and credits that volunteer for helping him find a future he never thought was possible.
How has the foster care or child welfare landscape changed locally in the past five to 10 years?
We’ve seen an increase in complex cases involving trauma, as well as a rise in the number of older youth entering care. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office now represents 100% of children in the child welfare system, a significant milestone in child advocacy. In addition to legal representation, the Office is also responsible for helping teens identify mentors who can provide support even after their dependency case closes and they enter adulthood.
What do you wish more people in the Pensacola area knew about the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office?
That you don’t need a legal background to make a life-changing impact. Our volunteers are just like you — retirees, working professionals, parents — who just want to help. You can make a difference in the life of a child, too!
How can someone become a volunteer — and what would you say to someone who’s on the fence about applying?
Ready to make a difference? Visit guardianadlitem.org to start your application. A member of our team will connect with you to explore the different ways you can get involved. If you’re unsure, know that you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be part of a dedicated team focused on helping children find safe, permanent homes where they can grow and thrive. We provide full training and ongoing support — if you care about children, we’ll help you turn that care into impact
In addition to volunteering, are there other ways people can support your mission?
Yes, our mission can be supported in many ways. Donating to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation is one powerful option. The Foundation is the direct support organization for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office. Your support helps fund essential needs for children, such as everyday activities, clothing and school supplies. It also supports volunteer training, recruitment and outreach efforts, allowing us to continue advocating for children in the dependency system. Supporters can also follow us on social media, host awareness events or simply help spread the word in their communities. Every effort makes a difference and brings us closer to making sure every child has the advocacy and support they deserve.
What are your goals for the future of Florida Guardian ad Litem Office in this region?
Every child in dependency court already has a Guardian ad Litem team. Our goal is to strengthen that support by increasing the number of community volunteers and expanding youth mentoring opportunities — for teens who are aging out of foster care — so more young people have a trusted adult to guide, encourage and help them prepare for the future.
How can local media and community leaders be better partners in supporting your work?
We’re fortunate to have strong community support, and we’re grateful for so many partnerships! At the same time, we’ll always continue to highlight the ongoing need for more community volunteers — because each individual volunteer has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life!
Guardian ad Litem always needs more volunteers, especially for teens and children in rural areas. You can become a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, mentor a youth as they prepare to age out of foster care, donate to the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation or help spread awareness. Visit guardianadlitem.org to learn more or get involved.
