HB 6021 — Guardian Ad Litem Direct-Support Organization
by Rep. Stevenson and others (SB 222 by Senator Bean)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
HB 6021 removes the repeal date of October 1, 2018, for the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation, which serves as a direct-support organization for the Guardian ad Litem Program. The Guardian ad Litem Program advocates for abused, neglected, or abandoned children who are involved in dependency court proceedings. The program uses volunteers who visit the child and attorneys who advocate for the best interest of the child in court.
Direct-support organizations are designated in statute to support public programs through activities such as fundraising and employee training. The Legislature authorized a direct-support organization for the Guardian ad Litem Program in 2007. The Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation was created as a direct-support organization to further the mission of the Guardian ad Litem Program.
If these provisions are approved by the Governor they will take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 35-0; House 107-0