Res 06-13RESOLUTION NO. 06 -13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSES THE SUPPORT OF THE
PALM BEACH COUNTY GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM, .
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Guardian Ad Litein Program is a force of volunteers who advocate on behalf of
children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, in 1984 Palm Beach County adopted the program and began with 15 volunteers.
Although the volunteer base is 400 strong, there are greater than 1,300 children in care in Palm Beach
County coveting only about 70% of them; and
WHEREAS, to illustrate the magnitude of the financial benefit the Guardian Ad Litem Programs
brings to Florida, consider that the state's budget for the program is just ovet $25M, of which Palm
Beach County accounts for 4 %. The services donated by Guardians across the state save Florida over
$18M in salaries and mileage reimbursement costs. That is close to $1M for Palm Beach County alone.
The Guardian Ad Litem Program is making an impact in children's lives and the return on investment
the program brings to the county is unparalleled; and
WHEREAS, Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem has dubbed its outreach initiative, My
Aesolkion 2093 — I Am for I& Child — Are You? This is a call -to- action for all residents of Palm Beach
County to embrace child advocacy as their individual personal New Year's Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City of Delray Beach has a reputation of taking the lead in inclusion, being at the
forefront of social awareness issues, and leading the charge as change agents throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, the City's vision contains a cultural diversity component and their five year goals
include community unity. These facts acre not lost on the leadership of the Guardian Ad Litem Progrann
and, in fact, are extremely important as the intent is to not only increase the number of volunteers but to
also diversify the volunteer- -base so that it more appropriately reflects the demographics served; and
WHEREAS, the Guardian Ad Utem program urges the residents' of the City of Delray Beach to
stand and ensure that children thi:ive — not just survive — and are able to live up to their frill. potential.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED I3Y THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City of Delray Beach supports the Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem
Program.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on the 5th day of February, 2013.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Coversheet
lu 1 W [UM-0 1-iUi 1
TO: Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Douglas E. Smith, Interim City Manager
DATE: January 30, 2013
Page 1 of 1
SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM 8.J. - REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 201.3
RESOLUTION NO. 06 -13
ITEM BEFORE COMMISSION
Resolution No. 06 -13 is before Commission to approve Resolution No. 06 -13; supporting the Palm
Beach County Guardian Ad Litem Program.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Resolution No. 06 -13.
http: l/ itwebapp/ Agendalntranct /Bluesheet.aspx ?ItemID =6451 &MeetinglD =400 2/12/2013
RESOLUTION NO. 06 -13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRr1Y BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSES THE SUPPORT OF THE
PALM BEACH COUNTY GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Guardian Ad Litem Program is a force of volunteers who advocate on behalf of
children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their caregivers; and
WHEREAS, in 1984 Palm Beach County adopted the program and began with 15 volunteers.
Although the volunteer base is 400 strong, there are greater than 1,300 children in care in Palm Beach
County covering only about 70% of them; and
WHEREAS, to illustrate the magnitude of the financial benefit the Guardian .cad Litem Programs
brings to Florida, consider that the state's budget for the program is just over $25M, of which Palm
Beach County accounts for 4 %. The services donated by Guardians across the state save Florida over
$18M in salaries and mileage reimbursement costs. That is close to $1M for Palm Beach County alone.
The Guardian Ad Litem Program is making an impact in children's lives and the return on investment
the program brings to the county is unparalleled; and
WHEREAS, Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem has dubbed its outreach initiative, My
Resolution 2013 — I .Asn for the Child — Are You? This is a call-to- action for all residents of Palm Beach
County to embrace child advocacy as their individual personal New Year's Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the City of Delray Beach has a reputation of taking the lead in inclusion, being at the
forefront of social awareness issues, and leading the charge as change agents throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, the City's vision contains a cultural diversity component and their five year goals
include community unity. These facts are not lost on the leadership of the Guardian Ad Litem Program
and, in fact, are extremely important as the intent is to not only increase the number of volunteers but to
also diversify the volunteer -base so that it more appropriately reflects the demographics served; and
WHEREAS, the Guardian Ad Litem program urges the residents' of the City of Delray Beach to
stand and ensure that children thrive — not just survive — and are able to live up to their full potential.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1. That the City of Delray Beach supports the Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem
program.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on the 5"' day of February, 2013.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MAYOR
Res No. 06 -13
I$ (ID G A L
Guardian cd Utem
A POWERFUL VOICE FOR
FLORIDA's CHILDREN
FLORIDA GUARDIAN AD LITEM
PROGRAM
A Guardian ad !_item (GAL) is appointed by the
court to advocate for a child. Most of these
children have been removed from their homes
because of alleged abuse, abandonment or ne-
glect The GAL becomes familiar with the child
and the child's case and makes
recommendations to the court to help ensure a
safe, caring, stable and permanent environment.
The GAL Program has a volunteer base of more
than 8,000 volunteers.
CHILDREN WHO HAVE A
GAL VOLUNTEER:
• Do better in school
• Are 50% less likely to return to foster
care
• Have fewer placement changes
• Receive more services
• Are more likely to be adopted, when ap-
propriate
• Spend less time in foster care
$15, 774,382 GAL time and services
* $2,779,082 GAL donated mileage
T $2,000,000 Grange County Bar
Dro mono services
$201553,464
RETURN ON
INVESTMENT
7WA`.
E
Lk�
a
ti
EafileAivard Winner 2012
Prudential Davis
Produrtivitr Awards
Angels in Adoption
Alvard ff"in.ner2012
Congressional Coalition on
Adoption Institute
For more information, contact.
Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program
PO Box 10628
Tallahassee, Florida 32302
www.GLlardianadLitem.org
1- 866 -341 -1425
GAL is central to fulfilling society's
most fundamental obligation by making sure
a qualified, compassionate adult.will fightfor
and protect a child's right to be safe, to be
treated with dignity and respect, and to learn
and grow in the security of a loving family.
N
GAL
Guardian ad Litem
A POWERFUL VOICE FOR
FLORIDA's CHILDREN
FLORIDA GUARDIAN AD LITEM
PROGRAM
Lift up a child's voice. A child's life "'
0 �1P�ff��tlF�uve�I�,tle��e
,"�✓„ .... and Delin. qu_.ency Pre�epfi'vn
tliACe of Jwtice VYcgr�ms � LLS. Qsyxhmrl of Justice
Printed by ShopCASA
A - C1111C1's voice.
A child's life.
Lifted up,
By you.
®GAL
Guurdian bd Liivm
A POWERFUL VOICE FOR
FLORIDA'S CHILDREN
FLORIDA GUARDIAN AD LITEM
PROGRAM
Lift up a child's voice. A child's life: M
Too many children in the child welfare system
lose their families, their rights and their hope.
Join our fight to make sure they don't!
We see news stories every day about children taken
from an abusive home, or because of the tragic loss
of a parent —to illness or violence or incarceration. We
assume there must be. a program or system that will
take care of these children and make sure they are
treated with dignity, given a safe place to live, so they
can recover from their hardship and be a child again.
But there is a story behind the story that few people
speak about. It Is the story of a six - year -old girl who has
been moved to six group homes and three schools over
the past two years. The story of a to-ddier separated from
her brothers and sisters during the most vulnerable
time in her life. The story of a child being handed all his
belongings in a plastic bag at the age of 18, because
he has "aged out" of the system. It is a story that occurs
over and over again in Amenca's foster care and ch" Id
welfare system.
But these stories can have better endings, because
there is a group of trained volunteers, appointed
by judges to advocate forthese children.. People
who fight for these abused and neglected children,
to make sure their basic rights and essential needs
don't get overlooked or ignored by the system. These
stories can have better endings because of people
like you.
We are volunteer guardians ad litem (GAL) for
Children, a volunteer - powered network of committed
people —from all walks of life —who believe society has a
fundamental obligation to these children. We are people
just like you who believe that every child hasthe right
to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to thrive in the
embrace of loving family.
With a GAL. volunteer, a child is half as likely to
languish in the foster care and child welfare
system, and that much more likely to find a safe,
oermanent home.
"While my life was so uncertain, always
switching houses and never knowing who my
social worker would be from one week to the
next one factor remained constant, my
GuardianadLitem."
Help us serve every child.
Today, there are many children in the system
that have no access to a GAL. volunteer. Until
every child has a voice, the GAL Program will
not rest.
our mission is "Advocating for the child's best
interest is our only interest!"
Donate.
We have a proven approach; our only challenge is
to scale it. Your financial contribution Is a.sound
investment. All donations are tax- deductible and help
us expand programs and recruit and train volunteers.
To Donate, please visit the Guardian ad Litem
Foundation's w.ebsite atwww.figal.org.
Volunteer.
This is ore cause where the actions of a single
individual can have a profound impact, You can be an
integral part of the solution. One individual, trained
and.. empowered to ensure that every child can thrive
in the safe embrace of a loving home-
Get involved.
Don't have time to volunteer? You can stiff be a key
part of the solution. Connect with us. We'll keep you
informed on our progress and share the various ways
you can help ensure abused and neglected children
have their rights protected, and their future is bright.
Not only is this a way to give back to your
community but also to have a new life experience
by making a difference in the life of .a child,
GAL
Guardian ad Lttem
A POWERFUL VOICE FOR
FLORIDA'S CHILDREN
FLORIDA GUARDIAN AD LITEM
PROGRAM
i
When: December 7th, 2012
5 -9 prn
Where: Tina's Cafe
215 N. Olive Ave.
WPB, FL 33401
RSVP: 561- 389 -7740
�1
,} I;I
All proceeds henefit the Pa fm Beach County Guardian ad Litem
Program (GAL) through its nonprofit., Spook Up! For lids of PSC
GALS are volunteers who advocate for children involved in
dependency court due to abuse, abandonment or neglect, f.
SPEAK UP! For Kids'
Annual Holiday Social'
$10- per ticket*
(includes heavy hors d'oeuvres €' ^ ocias) '
Gar
(P
+�
Cash Dgnatibn
Live Music, Door Prizes,Silentrluciion,
* Up f R �
Qounce House, Cotton Candy, & More
*Please bring a new unwroz ped toy for
our Holiday Gift Drive
When: December 7th, 2012
5 -9 prn
Where: Tina's Cafe
215 N. Olive Ave.
WPB, FL 33401
RSVP: 561- 389 -7740
�1
,} I;I
All proceeds henefit the Pa fm Beach County Guardian ad Litem
Program (GAL) through its nonprofit., Spook Up! For lids of PSC
GALS are volunteers who advocate for children involved in
dependency court due to abuse, abandonment or neglect, f.
Aw. Gr+ &.-
43ft ", g1w
iT
Every day, abused and
neglected children in
our community are
removed frorri their homes
and placed into foster care
because their parents
cannot — or will not -- take
care of them. Guardian ad
Litemvolunteers advocate
for these children in court.
Each volunteer advocate is
specially trained to be a
powerful voice for the
children's best interests.
They are ordinary people
who do extraordinary
j things for some.of our
community's. raost
vulnerable children.
1
FLORIDA
GUARDIAN'S
AD LITEM
PROGRAM
Contact Us Today
www.GuardianadLitem.org
1 -866- 341 -1425
CITY OF DELRAY BEREH
DELRA R 1 1, , CITY CLERK
bftd
100 N.W. tst AVENUE
All-America City
.IPFTi
1 993 February 13, 2013
2001
Tanya Cajuste, Guardian ad Litem Volunteer
15"' Judicial Circuit
205 N. Dixie Highway, Suite #5.1130
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33444 • 561!243 - 000
RE: Resolution No. 06 -13; Support of Palm Beach County Guardian ad Litem Program
Mrs. Cajuste:
Thank you for your presentation to the Mayor and Commissioners at the November 20, 2012
Regular Meeting and the February 5, 2013 Regular Meeting. The information that you provided
educated us on the Guardian ad Litem Program.
Enclosed is a certified copy of Resolution No. 06 -13, in support of the Pahn Beach County
Guardian ad Litem Program.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 561- 243 -7059.
Thank you, +�
Kimberly Wyiui
Agenda Coordinator
Enclosed: Certified Resolution No. 06 -13
SERVICE - PERFORMANCE - TIJTFC -,PITY - P.ESPONSIBLE - INNOVATIVE - TEAMWORK
CITY OF OELRRY BEREH
DELRAY BEACH
61� CITY CLERK 1CIO N.W. 1si AVENUE DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33444 5611243 -7000
All-America City
I I
U
00
zoa1 CERTIFICATION
1, CHEVELLE D. NUBIN, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Delray
Beach, do hereby certify that the attached document is a true and correct
copy of Resolution No. 06 -13, as the same was passed and adopted by the
Delray Beach City Commission in regular session on the 5tn day of February
2013.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the
official seal of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, on this the 12th day of
February 2013.
L-\\* ` `" ) . \' �' �' �'
Chevelle D. Nubin, MMC
City Clerk
City of Delray Beach, Florida
(SEAL)
SERVICE - PERFORMANCE - INTEGRITY - RESPONSIBLE - INNOVATIVE - TEAMWORK