Alan Abramowitz Reappointed as Executive Director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office

Lori Duarte-Roberts, Chairperson of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation Board of Directors, announces Alan Abramowitz is reappointed by Governor Rick Scott as the Executive Director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office.   
Over 10,000 Floridians volunteer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, an organization whose mission is to advocate in court for the best interests of abused, abandoned or neglected children.  Today, Governor Scott announced the Program will continue to be led by one of its own volunteers, Alan Abramowitz, who has himself served as a guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteer for more than 10 years.
“I am honored to serve Governor Scott, my professional colleagues and especially our 10,000 active volunteers as Florida Guardian ad Litem Office’s Executive Director,” said Abramowitz. “I have the best job in the world because every day there is a chance to make the life of an abused or neglected child better.”
Since Abramowitz’s initial appointment six years ago, the GAL Program has grown from 5,000 to more than 10,000 volunteers now representing the best interests of over 25,500 of Florida’s most vulnerable children.  Under his leadership the GAL Program has also championed legislation focused on the best interests of children being adopted, promoted normalcy in the lives of foster children, worked to enable teens in foster care to get driver licenses, and developed training to improve legal advocacy statewide, including specific initiatives on advocacy for children with disabilities.
“He gets it,” said GAL Foundation Chairperson Duarte-Roberts. “Alan has a keen awareness of how advocacy for children can make their lives better, and he brings an unbridled enthusiasm to the job and more energy than you can imagine.”  Wansley Walters, Chairperson of Florida’s Children and Youth Cabinet, also gave her endorsement. “Alan represents the best of the best when it comes to working for children. He is the perfect combination of a great mind, strong will, and a gentle heart. The state of Florida is lucky to have Alan continue to head our Guardian ad Litem Program.”
“I am inspired by the dedicated citizens from every walk of life who spend their free time advocating on behalf of children” said Abramowitz. “I’m motivated every day by our talented and committed GAL staff who work to ensure children live in a safe, permanent home.  Most of all I am inspired by the children we serve.  In what is certainly the darkest hours of their lives, they show resilience, hope and strength.”
To learn how you can advocate as a GAL for an abused or neglected child visit: www.GuardianadLitem.org or call 1-866-341-1GAL [425]