For the January general meeting, Guardian At Litem will be joining us to educate us about this very important program. For information prior to the meeting, please visit their website,
http://www.guardianadlitem.org/.
I also thought I would post this editorial from today's St. Petersburg Times.
Kids in foster care needn't fly solo Nov. 23
Guardian ad litem is lifeline for childA recent story stated that children are appointed a guardian ad litem "to represent the child's 'best interest' when it comes to where they will live." Guardians ad litem do make those types of recommendations, but it is important to recognize that they do so much more. I am a pro bono attorney, who, like a number of others, volunteers through the 6th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program. I have been involved with the program for the past eight years. I cannot say enough about the difference it makes in the lives of our children.
Three years ago, our local GAL Program established a Transitioning Youth Project, where lay and attorney volunteers were recruited and trained to work with youth 13 to 18 who faced aging out of foster care. We completed the GAL Program's "Fostering Independence" training. I am now a trained guardian ad litem attorney, and along with other volunteers and staff, advocate for the best interests and legal rights of these teens in foster care.
In this time of state budget deficits, the importance of the Guardian ad Litem Program cannot be understated. If anyone is interested in joining us to volunteer to help these teenagers, please call (727) 464-6528 or visit www.guardianadlitem6.org to learn more about the program and the role you can play in making a difference in these children's lives.
John E. Tuthill, St. Petersburg
Holidays are a time to celebrate, and members of JLCD certainly enjoyed our share of parties. This year's General Membership Holiday Party, coordinated by the 
Arrangements Committee, was held at Jimmy's Fish House on Clearwater Beach. Members enjoyed fabulous treats--I par
ticularly liked the coconut shrimp-- and reveled in our warm weather. There were also many other JLCD related parties held by individual committees, sustainers and provisionals. It was a great time to relax with our friends! 
