THE ADVOCATE
GUARDIAN AD LITEM, FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Volume 100 – issue 15
January 2015
Editor – Ellen Kranzler
561-355-4511/561-704-4161
bibliophile6452@comcast.net
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
2014 NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
2014 HOLIDAY POT LUCK LUNCHEON
AND TOY WRAP
PALM BEACH BAR ASSOCIATION
DONATES TEDDY BEARS AND GIFT
CARDS FOR THE GUARDIAN AD
LTEM PROGRAM.
LATEST FROM
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
LIZ LIEBER
Hello, everyone!
I am very much looking forward to the start of a new year, as 2015 will prove to be an exciting time
for the GAL Program, both locally and statewide. Here in the Fifteenth Circuit (C15), as of October
2014, we have 536 certified volunteers, which is an amazing accomplishment! Think about how
many children in Palm Beach County alone for whom you are all laying the groundwork for a better
future! Statewide, we are close to our much-desired goal of 10,000 volunteers! We’ve reached
9,652 as of the October snapshot, a feat of great importance of which you are all a part!
More exciting news here in C15 is the beginning of our implementation of a new pre-service volunteer training model. After much study and review of the GALP current classroom training, wise and
dedicated folks in our Program Office and Field Operations team have developed a new training
concept which includes three modules:
 Independent Study (8 hours)
 Classroom Training (10-12 hours)
 Fieldwork (10 hours)
Essential to the success of this new model are specially selected and trained MENTORS who will be
involved in all phases of training: answering questions during independent study, keeping trainees
on track during classroom sessions, and accompanying trainees on the critical components of field
work and courtroom observation.
We believe that this new pre-service training will accomplish several goals: less daunting in terms of
time commitment; create a practical learning experience; utilize multiple learning approaches; provide greater flexibility and enable a process for quickly getting volunteers trained, certified, and
working as child advocates for the several hundred children in Palm Beach County still awaiting an
advocate!
For those current volunteers and staff who are already working hard, 2015 will usher in a host of expanded and interesting training topics. Whether you are staff or a volunteer, our goal in this area is
to promote you on your way to becoming knowledgeable, independent-minded, critical-thinking advocates for children. Thank you always for your continuing commitment, and welcome to the New
Year!
Liz
2
Supervising Attorney
KATHLEEN CLENDINING.
Here in Palm Beach County, The Guardian Ad Litem Program has had the pleasure of being part of the ground breaking start of the Therapeutic Court Team. The Therapeutic Court Model is unique in that it is the first of its kind. The
team consists of members of the community who are prominent in the Dependency court system, including but not
limited to people from GALP, Legal Aid, Court Administration, Children’s Home Society, Child Net and Children’s Legal
Services. The treatment team’s goal is to take children in the system that have many special needs and focus on solutions both inside and outside of the box to help stabilize these children and to find them permanency. At the current
time, the court is catering to the needs of sixteen (16) children. While many of these children are considered to be
difficult to adopt because of their special needs, we are happy to announce the adoption of one of our first children in
December, having been able to stabilize the child by providing the child and family the therapeutic services, medication management and support necessary to get her to permanency. At this time there are two other children in the
Therapeutic Court who are close to being placed in their forever home.
The treatment team meets twice a week and has staffing’s regarding the children on the docket for that day. They
review both short and long term goals necessary to help the child. Meetings are followed by hearings in which the
parties consider different alternatives and the court enters orders related to the child’s needs. The team makes special efforts to thoroughly investigate the effects of psychotropic medications and types of therapies and services that
are being used. Doctors and therapists are regularly called as witnesses to explain the effects of the drugs and therapies and what the long term goals are for the child. The Guardian Program has wonderful volunteers who are very
active in their children’s cases. They attend staffing and treatment team meetings at the residential treatment facilities and visit regularly even though many of the children reside in out of county facilities. The team hopes that by
gathering a greater understanding of psychotropic medications, therapies and residential placement for these children with extraordinary needs, we will be able to use and share our expanded knowledge base with all the children in
the foster care system.
As part of her role as a Guardian ad Litem Attorney and a member of the Therapeutic team, our own attorney, Lauren
Clifton, was able to help the team to secure gift items for all the children, including over 12 comforters and bedding
sets to personalize the living space of our children in residential treatment centers and therapeutic homes. These sets
were decorated with super heroes to sports themes matching the age appropriate interests of the child. One young
lady even received a purple set with her initials embroidered on it. Each of the 16 children also received a cheerfully
wrapped gift basket with gift items off of their personal list and baked goods from several of the team members.
Since the Guardian ad Litem Program is committed to furthering the Best Interest of the Child, we hope that we can
continue to be part of a program that can increase the level of understanding regarding the special needs of children
and continue to develop practices and procedures that benefit the health and welfare of these children. We hope this
New Year brings even more success in our efforts to stabilize and heal our children.
Kathleen
Three of our kids
at a therapeutic
residence have
new and very
special bedding
for their rooms.
3
Continuing with our new staff members:
TRAINING & RESOURCE COORDINATOR
CAC – NICOLE DOZIER - Nicole will
CLARICE REDDING
become a CAC for JO when
she returns from her maternity leave in
1 month. Her 2nd child
arrived on Aug 29th and has joined her
Hello Guardians!
other son 4 year old Colin,
I want to start off this season by saying that it is a bothto
ancomplete
honor and their
a pleasure
to join
the Guardian
family.
Nicole
is also a
ad Litem team, and am looking forward to a wonderful
year of
with all of
native
of training
Florida(and
and learning!)
has
you.
just returned from N. Carolina where
As some of you may know, we have some BIG updates in 2015. The first of which being…*drum roll
her husband retired from the
please*… our new statewide training module. The new module includes an independent Study
military.
is a certified
social
piece, two days of classroom time, and will pair new GALs
with anNicole
experienced
GAL taking
on the
worker
and
is
thrilled
to
be
working
with
role of mentor, to assist them for the first months of their experience. Our goal is to retain more
our for
GAL100% representation in 2015!
GALs, to essentially reach more children. We are aiming
Also, as your new Training Coordinator, I am diligently Program.
working to plan
execute
plenty
fun
Her and
favorite
things
toofdo,
and interesting In-Service Training (IS) opportunities other
for all of
us. As
you know,
to remain
a GAL
than
being
with her
children,
arein
good standing, you are required to obtain an additional
twelve (12) hours of in-service (IS) training
travel,
hours per year. We are designing a number of ways in which you can accomplish this.
movies, and reading. Nicole will be a
addition
to our
program
when
We will be hosting the 15th Circuit Book Club, as wellwelcomed
as, seminars,
discussion
groups,
interactive
sheskills as a child advocate. You may also take
lectures, and movie screenings all to help sharpen your
returns.
advantage of other opportunities outside of our program
that offer CEUs (Continuing Education
Units) that would add to your knowledge and skills as a child advocate; such as professional conferences, DCF Summit, GAL Summit, CASA Conference, etc.
OUR NEW ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANTS – Admin:
I will also be the Resource Coordinator for “Speak Up! For Kids” –the non-profit organization that
helps support the Guardian ad Litem Program of the 15th Judicial Circuit. If you need anything special
ADMIN
– TA’CHEA
FERGUSON
for your child(ren), whether it be a bed, bike, or funds to
help pay
for a field trip,
etc.- feel -free to
Ta’Chea a native of
reach out and contact me with your request.
Palm to meeting all of you and building
I will be here to assist you every step of the way, andWest
look forward
new relationships with everyone. When I am I not in my
office on
2nd floor,
I canused
usually
Beach,
hasthe
grown
up and
allbe
found in a Starbucks with a cup of tea and a good book; or helping to servethe
my church,
Gospel
resources
thatFellowship; or meeting with great minds in discussions on
howBeach
we can help save the world.
Palm
Please feel free to drop by the office or shoot me an email at clarice.redding@gal.fl.gov , with any
had to offer. She attended Palm
questions, concerns, and/or suggestions for trainings.
Beach Community (
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR,
that CLARICE
i
4
KEN
KELLY
15TH CIRCUIT RECRUITING TEAM
The Recruiting Team here at the 15th Circuit is gearing up for an exciting
and busy 2015! This is Our Circuit’s year – so we are expecting GREAT
things! We are looking to get out into the community more and we are
asking for your help!
Do YOU have a community group, civic organization, school or religious
group that we can talk to about the important role that Guardian ad Litem
play in the lives of dependency kids? You know what kind of commitment it takes, so help us spread the word! You can email us at
GALRECRUTMENT15@GAL.FL.GOV or call 561-355-6224 and we will follow
up with all of your leads!
We are also in the process of re-forming the Volunteer Recruitment Committee (VRC). This committee will be a team of people who are interested
in spreading the word about the Guardian ad Litem Program, either by attending public speaking events, being part of a street team that puts up
posters or brochures, or by acting as community liaisons and securing
leads for increased community awareness such as: 55+ communities,
schools, various membership organizations and other unique collaborations. We would love to have you join us!
Email Kelly at: kelly.kerr@gal.fl.gov if you are interested in learning more
about this committee!
5
IN-SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AND CEUS AVAILABLE TO YOU:
15th Circuit Book Club – Tues, Jan 20, 2015,
Current selection –“GEMMA” by Meg Tilly
Okeechobee Blvd Branch - Palm Beach County Library
5689 Okeechobee Bld. -- 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
2 – (IS) in-service credits will be awarded for the reading of the book
1 – IS credit will be awarded for joining the book discussion.
RSVP to clarice.redding@gal.fl.gov – or – call – 561-355-6224
/
NAMI TRAINING (National Assoc. on Mental Illness) –Wed, Jan 14, 2015,
“WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?”
West Boca Branch –P. B. Public Library
18685 State Rd 7 (Rt 441) – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
2- IS credits will be awarded for attending this workshop. (RSVP)
AVDA TRAINING (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse)- Thurs, Jan 22, 2015
“DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS TRAINING”
Main Branch – P. B. Public Library
3650 Summit Blvd – 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
2- IS credits will be awarded for attending this workshop. (RSVP)
//
EARN ADDITIONAL IN-SERVICE CREDITS BY READING!
For each book read and accreditation request form
submitted you will receive 2 – IS credits. (Accreditation
form on the following page.)
If we run a discussion group on a book and you attend that
discussion you will receive 1 more credit, for a total of 3
credits per book.
Some of the books planned for the coming year:
A Child Called It – Dave Pelzer
An Unimaginable Act – Erin Merryn
Beautiful Child – Torey Hayden
Black & Blue – Anne Quindlen
Breaking Night – Liz Murray
Charmed Souls – Irina Cole
Color Purple – Alice Walker
(the) Glass Castle – Jeannette Walls
(the) Lost Boy – Dave Pelzer
Lucky – Alice Seybold
Three Little Words – Ashley RhodesCourter
(Check our lending library in both Delray and West Palm offices for copies of the above books).
6
GUARDIAN AD LITEM VOLUNTEER
ISC – IN-SERVICE CREDITS / CEU – CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
ACCREDITATION FORM:
Name_________________________________________email_______________________________
Date__________ CAM__________ Number of hour(s) involved//# of CEU(s) awarded__________
I have read, viewed, and/or attended the following material and/or conference and would like
to submit it for accreditation towards my yearly In-Service/ CEU requirements.
[Required - 12 in-service credits per year.]
( ) book
( ) video
( ) lecture
( ) conference
( ) movie
( ) other_____________
Title______________________________________________________________________________
Author/Source:___________________________________________________________________
1)
2)
Description of in-service presentation; material; book; and/or program viewed.
Describe the impact that the material had for you as a GAL.
.
7
ADDITIONALLY, IN 2015, THERE WILL BE
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STATE CERTIFICATION
This year, our Guardian ad Litem State Office is seeking to enhance the qualifications, knowledge, and professionalism of our
front line staff, namely Child Advocacy Coordinators, by working
with a professional certification board to assist in creating and
implementing a state-recognized certification. Certification will
serve to increase staff knowledge in various aspects of child welfare and to bring the perception of GAL staff as child welfare
professionals into line with our peers, that are Child Protective Investigators and Case Managers. In keeping with this GAL Supervisors/Coordinators will henceforth be known as Child Advocacy
Managers (CAM) rather than CAC. We will keep you posted as
the state-wide GAL staff prepare for this important professional
step.
NOTICE:
VOLUNTEERS! – Become a Transporter!
Don’t forget about seeking approval for the privilege of transporting
your GAL Kids.
Remember, you can help your kids experience “normal” childhood
activities and events by having special transportation approval. The
approval letter helps to enable you to promote normalcy for your
kids in care.
Time alone with your child, just the two of you going for a ride, going
for an ice cream, a walk in the mall, anyplace away from the home
they are living in is something very special and a wonderful time to
help bond with your child.
TO BECOME A GAL TRANSPORTER FILL OUT THE FORMS ON THE NEXT 2 PAGES SUBMIT THEM TO ELLEN KRANZLER – bibliophile6452@comcast.net –include a copy of your license
and a copy of your insurance card.
8
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
15TH CIRCUIT-WEST PALM BEACH
VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION REQUEST
Certified GAL Volunteers who wish to transport dependent children to whom, they
have been assigned by the court must complete the fields below:
Name
__________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Phone #__________________________________________________________________
Email
__________________________________________________________________
In order for your request to be processed, you must provide your Driver’s License and
Insurance Card to be photocopied.
Vehicle Information:
Auto Make_____________________Model_________________Year______________
Insurance Carrier________________________________________________________
Justification: Volunteers are approved to transport their children to activities and
events that will help promote a normal life style and will help to develop further trust
and a closer relationship with their GAL.
I consent to the Guardian ad Litem reviewing my history and work as a GAL for the
purpose of determining that I am eligible to become a transporter.
Volunteers Signature___________________________________________Date____________
9
GAL VOLUNTEER RULES OF TRANSPORT
I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING RULES OF CHILD
TRANSPORT:
[INIITIAL]___________________________________________________________________________________
[
] I agree to transport only those children who are 6 years of age or older for whom I am the
Assigned GAL Volunteer, unless I receive specific permission from the Circuit Director to
transport a child under the age of 6 on a child-by-child basis (with an approved child car
seat).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I agree to abide by all the traffic laws and drive in a safe manner when transporting any
GAL child. This includes the use of a car seat if required by law.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I agree to maintain my vehicle in a safe and reliable condition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[.
] I agree to maintain auto insurance at all times. Further, I agree that my insurance will con
form to the minimum insurance requirements published by the State Of Florida at all times.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I will not take any actions while transporting a GAL Child that would jeopardize safety or in
any way place the child at risk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iI
[
] I will not use a cell phone, blackberry, or text while diving with a GAL Child in my vehicle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I understand and agree to notify the program immediately of any changes in my driving
record as a result of a traffic infraction, including but not limited to moving violations; DUI;
accidents; license suspension and/or revocation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I agree to report to the program immediately any unusual incidents, problems, or
occurrences that may occur during the transportation of my child.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I agree to abide by the GAL standards of operation governing my conduct as a volunteer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[
] I understand the importance of working with the child’s custodian/caretaker in determining
convenient and appropriate times to transport the child and agree to be respectful of the
caretaker/custodian’s wishes in this regard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------________________________________________
Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
_______________________________________
( ) APPROVED - GAL Circuit Director
( ) Denied
______________________
Date
_____________________
Date
10
Transportation Guidelines – 15th circuit – 12/2014
Who is Speak Up for Kids?
A Public/Private Partnership
As a public-to-private partnership, Speak Up for Kids provides vital support to the Guardian ad Litem Program
And its Volunteer Child advocates, enabling them to represent more children.
Our Role in the GAL Program
Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County, Inc. (“Speak Up”) is a registered Florida 501© (3) nonprofit organization established in 2008
to secure additional financial support to help fund programs and direct services for the Guardian ad Litem Program of the 15 th
Judicial District.
As a State funded program, the GAL Program is not permitted to solicit alternative funding sources. As such, the GAL Program
depends upon financial support from Speak Up to fund programs and critical initiatives not funded due to budget constraints. All monies
raised by Speak Up are restricted to provide support for the 15th Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach County) GAL Program.
Our goal is to help the GAL Program reach 100% representation so that every abused, abandoned, and neglected child has a Volunteer
Child Advocate, ensuring they receive the services and care needed to thrive, to be safe, and to move towards a permanent life situation.
What does Speak Up fund?
A large portion of our funding goes to support the GAL infrastructure by supplementing staffing, training, and general expenses.
A discretionary “normalcy fund” has been established as well. We focus on enrichment opportunities for our kids such as sports and the
arts but also provide emergency supplies and sometimes even a bed so a child has a place to sleep. This fund was established to “Let our Kids
be Kids”. Discretionary spending requests are managed by the GAL Program through your CAM (Child Advocacy Managers-formerly CAC –
Child Advocacy Coordinators). We work with our partner agencies to determine who is going to fund what, and that is largely based on the
placement type for the child, e.g., foster home, relative care-giver, non-relative care-giver, parent, etc.
To apply for funds, complete a Discretionary Funds Request Form which can be found on the GAL website ( http://www.galpbc.org/forms-forgsls.html) and turn it into your CAM along with any background information on the item or event. For example, if you’re requesting funding for
a child to attend a baseball camp, find the camps available, get pricing, and ask for a free or discounted option (talk generically so you can
protect your child’s privacy), then supply the information to your CAM.
In-Kind Donations
Community donations are also accepted to help our kids through Speak Up. For example, we recently were able to find someone in the
community willing to donate a toddler bed for a 2-year old that was outgrowing his crib. Because the GAL Program cannot accept the actual
donations, those items must be processed through Speak Up! Contact me at DianaReese@SpeakUpfor KidsPBC.org or at 561-355-3799, if you
have any opportunities to donate.
Getting Involved/Giving/Corporate Partnerships
Opportunities for involvement with Speak Up are available.
Please think of us for your charitable and planned giving. We have many options available on our website at www.SpeakUpForKIdsPBC.org
You’re a GAL and passionate about helping children!
Many people want to help but can’t make the GAL Volunteer commitment Getting involved with Speak Up is a way for you friends, family, and
business associates to make a difference right here in our local community. Please share our information with them.
Brochures are available at the office or by contacting Diana Reese (see below). We will soon have a corporate “kit” to help facilitate businesses
hosting give back days such as a “Jeans for a Cause” or a Bake Sale day. We also have naming opportunities via sponsorship for our events.
Diana Reese, Executive Director, Speak Up for Kids of PBC,
DianaReese@SpeakUpForKidsPBC.org, - 561-355-3799
11
January 15th, 2015 Card Party & Luncheon
A sit down elegant luncheon followed by a card party with
canasta, bridge, mahjong. Cash prizes!
Benvenuto Restaurant, 1730 N Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
(11:30am-4pm)
Cost: $75 per person
Includes choice of entree, salad, dessert, entertainment, & more.
Additional refreshments served during card party.
Tickets: www.SpeakUpForKidsPBC.org/events or call 561-389-7740
12
1
15th Circuit GAL Volunteers Do Very Special Things for Their Kids!
Donna Stevens, the
Homebound GAL for
a very special boy
who resides in a nursing facility in Broward
County, and is visited
by a courtesy GAL,
made a very beautiful
quilt especially for
him. She hasn’t been
able to visit him, but
sent her love with this
home -made gift.
From GAL Volunteer Patricia Westall:
The Giving Tree, an amazing supporter of our kids,
secured 6 bikes – along with other gift for some of
my kids. They were brought to the Giving Tree
center in Boca and it was my job to get them
back to Delray. I went to the Home Depot in
Delray and inquired about renting a van to pick
up the gifts. I asked the woman at the desk to
enquire about a possible discount for the GAL
Program -within 3 minutes the assistant store
manager, Ricardo, informed me that they would
pick-up the bikes and deliver them wherever I
wanted them to go.. I was introduced to Rony,
who would be the coordinator and Kevin who
would be the driver for for this special delivery. By
4 p.m. that afternoon everything was delivered.
WHAT a wonderful response from HOME DEPOT
and its EMPLOYEES. We deal with such tragedy on
a regular basis; it sometimes takes me by surprise
when others step up to the plate on their own initiative. Thank you HOME DEPOT!
SPEAK UP FOR KIDS comes through for one of
Jodie Mitchell’s pre-teen girls.
This young lady, who has had a rough beginning and is now scheduled to be adopted,
loves to sew. She had been sewing whatever
she could by hand, until SUFK’s came through
with a sewing machine. She is now enrolled in a
sewing class and has made a vest and working
on a dress. She is also very artistic and was given a beautiful art set. Thank You SPEAK UP FOR
KIDS.
CHRISTMAS AT THE HOME OF HIS GAL VOLUNTEER!
Marie Eser, GAL Volunteer, invited one of her
kids to spend Christmas with her and her family.
This young man has no family and resides in a
Therapeutic residence out of county, so with
special permission from the Program, he joined
her family for a few days this Dec. Marie said“it was wonderful to have had the opportunity to
share and provide some normalcy for him. We
laughed, played, wrapped gifts and shared
great food. We spent both Christmas eve and
day with my family of 20, which brought such
joy to all. Christmas morning we all participated
in preparing breakfast as a family unit. It was
great to see his sad eyes become brighter. The
best gift of all was him smiling and happy, lot of
hugs, kisses and thank you’s….”
TRAVEL TIME!
Three GAL Volunteers, Jeannie Burdsall, Marie Eser, and Ellen Kranzler travel 2 hours up
to Brevard County, to the Devereux Foundation, for treatment team meetings and to
see their kids, at least once a month and
then it is 2 hours back. Thank you GALs for
stepping up to the plate, your kids know
that you are very special.
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?
PLEASE SHARE THE STORY WITH
US. SEND ME YOUR SPECIAL ADVEN
TURES WITH YOUR CHILDREN.
bibliophile6452@comcast.net
13
MEET SOME OF OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS:
Attorney – Lauren Clifton
Pictured here- Meeting one of our special young people, T.T.
Lauren has joined our staff as our legal representative in the
the therapeutic court. She originally hales from
Woodstock, Georgia and has made Florida her home for 31/2
a little more than 3 years, having attended Hofstra U. in NY
and then Nova Law in Fla. Lauren is very sports minded –
has played tennis most of her life, loves the outdoors with
hiking, biking and runs marathons! She is a pesce tarian
(a vegetarian that also eats fish). Lauren has also traveled
a great deal, having spent some of her under-graduate years in Peru. We are very happy
that Lauren has decided to spend of her future years with the Guardian ad Litem.
CLARICE REDDING – TRAINING &
RESOURCE COORDINATOR.
Clarice is one of those few native Floridians, coming from
West Palm Beach. She attended FAU, worked in the State
Legislature, interred for a short while with CHS (Children’s
Home Society), and most recently coming to us from the Palm
Beach County Library System. She loves traveling and did a
mission to Nicaragua. Hopes to be able travel to Rome, Athens,
and London, as well as visit all the areas in our own country. We hope her plans to travel are
during her vacation times and that she will be with us planning all sorts of interesting inservice topics. Welcome Clarice.
BETH ZIGLER – CAM (CHILD ADVOCACY MANAGER)
Started out in New Jersey and moved to Florida as a young
child. Grew up in the Florida school system, went on to the University of Delaware and then came back for graduate studies at
FSU. Beth has worked as a substance abuse therapist, worked
for CFC, was a DV probation office, as well as a pre-school
teacher, and is now with the Guardian ad Litem. Beth has 3
children, 11 year old twins (boy and girl) and an 8 year old boy,
all of which keep her jumping from sports game to sports game.
Besides loving to watch her kids in action, she loves to watch
action movies, and throw in some shopping when time allows.
We welcome Beth to Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem.
14
MORE ADDITIONAL STAFF JOIN THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM:
JANICE ALLWOOD - PARALEGAL.
Janice is brand new to Florida, having just
moved here in Aug from Jamaica. She has
her degree in administration and her paralegal certification. Janice has a 9 year old
son that keeps her very busy, but still
manages to find time to listen to music and
read. Florida weather is just perfect for her.
Welcome Janice –glad to have you on
board.
FAY REYNOLDS - ADMINISTRATION.
Fay is also from Jamaica and has been here
about 1 year. While in Jamaica she worked for
the U.S. Gov’t, as well as Standard Oil. She has
2 grown children, boy and girl as well as 2
granddaughters, 5 & 7, that are the light of her
life. The beach is one of her favorite places
and music to go with it.
Fay is very involved in her church and helps to
prepare food packages. Glad you are with us
Faye.
DIONNE SYBBLIS - ADMINISTRATION.
Dionne is a transplant from Jamaica, about
2 years ago. She started as a volunteer with
us about a year ago and now is the admin.
For recruiting and training, all on the second floor. Dionne is very quiet and easy
going and always ready to help. She is an
outdoor person, enjoys running but also
curling up with a good book.
She has traveled extensively in the far east,
but we are glad she is here with us at this
time.
16
15
GUARDIAN AD LITEM OFFICE–4TH FLOOR-4.1100–JUVENILE
BUILDING –WEST PALM BEACH
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS - ALL PALM BEACH TELEPHONES START
Allyson Gaiser
355-6225
Andrew Thomas
-1163
Barbara Boslow
-1826
Beth Zigler
-4281
Brad Austwick(Belle Glade)
966-4894
Kristen Solomon (Director)
355-....
355 -1148
Lauren Castle
-1549
Lauren Clifton
-6628
Lisa Larmond
-6083
Brittany Shepard
-1943
Liz Lieber
-1166
Carol Stoothoff
-6161
Marcy Vital
-1113
Clarice Redding
-3639
Marissa Dass
-4173
Nicholas Bavaro
-1626
Denis Davis (Delray)
330-1757
Diana Reese
-6224
Dionne Sybblis
-3762
Nicole Dozier
- tbd
Elinor (Lee) Turco
-1167
Patty Cepeda-Russell
-1776
Ellen Kranzler
-4511
Peter Braun
-3799
Fay Reynolds
-1849
Poonam Patel
-6160
Janice Allwood (Paralegal)
-6832
Renee Rattray
-1887
Sarah Bourdette
-6845
Shari Calderwood
-6221
Stacey J. Carter-Ogman
-6223
Ta’Chea Ferguson
-4405
Jim Graf (Delray)
Jodie Mitchell
Joe Marzilli (Delray)
330-1752
-4427
330-1738
Kathleen Clendining
-1124
Kayleen Cavanaugh
-1165
Kelly Kerr
-6220
Kelwyn Williams (Delray)
Ken Gotlib
Kevin Walsh (Delray)
Khrissy Lastierre
330-1753
Tonya McCormick (Belle Glade) 966-4858
-3243
330-1758
-3726
ALL E-MAIL ADDRESESS ARE –
lower case lettersfirst name.last name@gal.fl.gov
16
FAPA is now FOFC
As of September 1st, 2014, Foster & Adoptive
Parent Association of Palm Beach County and
Friends of Abused Children, have merged and
will be known as FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN OF
PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC. (FOFC).
The two agencies have teamed up with a new
mission:
“To nurture the lives of foster children in Palm
Beach County and transform their lives through
services, support and education in order to
overcome the effects of child abuse and neglect,
so they can experience a healthy, happy childhood and become productive members of
society.” The full array of services that were
provided by both agencies will continue under
FOFC – Friends of Foster Children of Palm
Beach County.
Denidof
For
additional information please call 561-352-2540
THE ADVOCATE
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Palm Beach County Courthouse
205 NORTH Dixie Highway
SUITE – 4.1100
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-355-2773
Fax: 561-355-2717
Website: www.galpbc.org
Circuit Director – Kristen Solomon, Esq.
Assistant Director – Liz Lieber
Supervising Attorney –
Kathleen Clendining
TOGETHER WE
CAN CONQUER
THE WORLD!
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Best Foot Forward currently has openings
for our kids and they have expanded their
services to include elementary all the way
through high school. They work directly
with the students and the school to support, guide and empower our dependent
youth, giving them every opportunity to
succeed in school.
They have offered take referrals directly
from the GAL and work to get the proper
paperwork through the department. Learn
more at www.bestfoot.org.
You can get in touch with Debbie Ellman –
Best Foot Forward Foundation –
-561-470-8300 / (cell #) – 954-673-9301.
COOL CLOTHES CLOSET
OF SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY.
Lynda Walsh, GAL Volunteer, recently
opened a nonprofit boutique in Delray
Beach – 2559 Webb Ave #3.
She wants to provide our youth with the opportunity to acquire fashionable clothes to
wear. She is there to give clothes to those
that need them the most. If your youth can’t
find what they need or want in the closet in
the W. Palm Court house, call Lynda at
561-843-4228 and make an appointment for
your child to shop at Cool Clothes Closet.
She will also accept any donations of
clothes that would be appropriate.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR ALL OUR
GALs:
To the world you are one
person,
But to one person you
are the world.
Dr. Suess