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Florida Program Awarded National Grant To Further Help Abused, Neglected Kids In Court

Florida Guardian ad Litem program's facebook page

Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program has received a national grant to help further advocate for abused and neglected kids in court.

Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz says his agency received a $250,000 grant to do what is called “I am for the Child” campaign. 

“It's for the purposes of educating our community about the need for volunteers and go through training and become advocates for abused children,” he said

The National CASA Association awarded his agency the State Growth Grant, and Abramowitz says the money will help with different efforts to steer potential volunteers to their website: guardianadlitem.org.

“We have been working with the National CASA Association,” he added. “CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, and it’s a national organization we’re a member of and the goal is every abused, neglected and abandoned children in the country has an advocate, has a voice in court. So, if they’re removed from their parents, there’s someone speaking on behalf of the child.”

Abramowitz says the need for volunteers is especially important as the number of kids in Florida’s foster care system keeps growing.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.