Florida Guardian ad Litem Academy

Welcome to the Guardian ad Litem Pre-Service Training.

Our updated pre-service training program, launched in 2025, is required for all volunteers serving in the traditional role of Guardian ad Litem Volunteer.

This revised training approach was designed to:

• Equip new volunteers with the skills and techniques needed to help represent children in Florida’s dependency system.
• Provide practical, foundational knowledge of Florida’s child welfare system.
• Meet the requirements for full certification as a Guardian ad Litem Volunteer with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office.

 

Phase 1 – Classroom Training

Classroom training, offered locally in person or virtually, consists of nine pre-service chapters. These courses build the skills and knowledge you will need to serve as a Guardian ad Litem and effectively represent a child in the dependency system.

 

Phase 2 – Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an engaging, hands-on component of training that allows you to apply what you learned in the classroom, along with insights from your personal and professional experiences. Under the guidance of your Child Advocate Manager—and often with support from experienced Guardian ad Litem Volunteers—you will:

• Receive your first case assignment.
• Observe dependency court proceedings.
• Conduct your first child visit.

 

In addition to these case-related activities, you must complete three self-paced online learning sessions:

• Keeping Children Safe Act
• Dynamics of Child Abuse: Sexual Abuse
• Abusive Head Trauma: An Overview for Guardians ad Litem

Phase 3 – Independent Learning

To achieve full certification, all provisionally certified volunteers are required to complete additional online courses designed to expand your knowledge of the child welfare system and strengthen your advocacy skills:

• Testifying in Court
• Exceptional Student Services
• Psychotropic Medication for Children and Youth
• Screenings and Assessments for Children in Foster Care: Part 1
• Screenings and Assessments for Children in Foster Care: Part 2

 

Please note: Phases 2 and 3 may be completed concurrently. You are not required to finish one phase before beginning the other.

If you have any questions about the training curriculum, or you are ready to sign up to begin pre-service training, please reach out to your local circuit recruiter.  

If you have already completed your classroom training and you need help with the online portion, you may reach out to your local circuit team or email [email protected].  

For your convenience, the required self-study courses can be found here in the Pre-Service Training Bundle