Christine Meyer has dedicated her career to representing abused, neglected and abandoned children in court, and in the community.
Meyer began her career in Broward County as the first full-time Guardian ad Litem lawyer. Meyer supervises and mentors a team of 10 attorneys at the Jacksonville Office that serves Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties. Jacksonville Office is home to more than 500 community members and pro bono lawyers.
Meyer stated that “the number of attorneys, volunteers, and Guardian ad Litem Offices in Florida, with over 180 attorneys statewide,” speaks to the importance of the Florida Legislature placing on this issue, in addition to the volume of cases, and the needs of our state.
In August, the office represented nearly 23,000 children statewide. More than 1,400 were appointed in the tricounty region. “Yet, it’s still not enough as the need for additional children continues to increase.” She said that the opioid crisis and the lack of affordable homes have had a significant impact on the children she serves every day.
Each Guardian ad Litem in the Fourth Judicial Circuit handles an average of 75 to 90 cases per year, involving 140 to 180 children. They work towards achieving permanent arrangements for the child within a 12-month period, such as reunification with their parents or adoption.
Meyer said, “We need more community volunteers as well as pro bono legal representation. It’s a part of our heart and is critical to the success and advocacy of children.”
Multidisciplinary teams of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office always include a Guardian ad Litem lawyer, a child care professional, and if possible, a pro bono or community volunteer attorney.
Volunteer Support
Meyer said that there are many ways in which attorneys can assist the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office.
As a pro-bono attorney focusing only on a specialized group, such as working with teens or young adult or the Defending Best Interests Initiative to assist with cases on appeal.
By providing mentoring opportunities to older youth who are in foster care, as they transition from care to independence.
As a volunteer lawyer with a particular area of expertise (such as civil litigation or probate) for a short-term, specific need.
As a traditional Guardian ad Litem, you will gather facts about a child’s case and find out what the child wants and desires. You will then provide the court with unbiased recommendations for the child’s best interests.
“I use all the resources available to me, including Early Childhood Courts and the Family Treatment Court Program, in order to provide a collaborative and individualized approach for every family and child,” said Duval County Circuit Court Judge Michael Kalil who preside over the Juvenile Dependency Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, a vital advocacy partner that champions the interests of our most vulnerable children in our community, is an integral part of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office.
He added that “Guardian ad Litem lawyers and volunteers are true unsung heroes of the community.” “The time and commitment spent helping a child via the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office are incredibly rewarding. Not only is it personally satisfying, but also results in better outcomes for both the child and our community.”
Celebrating Families
Whether it is through reunification, adoption or community involvement, Florida witnesses thousands of positive outcomes and success stories each year. This is due to the hard work of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office and the collaboration between judges, community members, adoptive families, and family members.
Meyer stated that “we celebrate each child reunited with his or her parent and the entire courtroom congratulates them for the efforts they made to reunite with their child.” “We have also many incredible adoption stories that are equally wonderful to witness.”
Home for the Holidays, an annual event hosted by Judge Kalil in the Juvenile Dependant Court each December, is one of the most anticipated events for adoptive parents.
In 2003, the multiple-hearing day was established in Duval County to celebrate families that have adopted a child, or siblings, and want them in their permanent homes for the holidays.
Judge Kalil said, “Some of these kids never celebrated the holidays before. This is a great day for them to begin creating new memories and traditions with their new families.” This event holds a special place in me, and I look forward to sharing those beautiful moments.
Meyer added, “We celebrate afterward as well.” The Guardian ad Litem Office holds a reception with Santa Claus and elves for the newly-arrived families. This is a fun and memorable day for all.”
Judge Kalil preside over Home for the Holidays and other special adoption days, including Home for Halloween, as well as a National Adoption Month in November.
The post A partnership between the Guardian ad Litem Office and Courts — Serving and Celebrating Children first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.