Attorney Ad Litem Program
Provide emotional/moral support (not legal representation) to juvenile defendants before the Court.
Contact Judge Ashley Moody’s office:
email: schechvm@fljud13.org
phone: (813) 272-5775
Guardian Advocate Program
Represent parents/caregivers of developmentally disabled adults to become appointed guardian advocates. Training available.
Contact Judge Susan Sexton’s office:
email: SEXTONS@fljud13.org
Judicial Bypass Program
Represent minors seeking judicial bypass for pregnancy termination. Training available.
Contact Mike Peacock, Esq:
email: mpeacock@peacocklawfirm.com
phone: (813) 769-2409
Homeless Women Veterans
Provide reduced-fee or free legal services to honorably discharged women veterans who have served at least two years in a branch of the United States armed forces. Special need areas: family law, criminal law, and real estate law.
Contact Liz Lanier:
email: elanier@helmsgreene.com
phone: (813) 769-3577
Kinship Care Legal Hotline
Provide legal assistance to relative care-givers, related to their rights as caregivers and/or those of their dependents. Handbook and training available.
Contact Sybil Goings, Kinship Services Coordinator:
email: sgoings@cas.usf.edu
phone: (813) 974-9843
Unified Family Court Opportunities
Independent Living Attorney
Represent adolescents who are aging out of the foster care system to ensure they receive benefits and services to which they are entitled, provide guidance and support with their legal issues, and help to provide a transition to independent living. Assignments generally last a minimum of 6 months. Appear at progress hearings with clients. Training available.
Guardian Advocate
Represent parents/caregivers of developmentally disabled minors to become appointed guardian advocates. Short-term commitment (approx. 10 hours of less). Training available.
Dependency Court: Psychiatric Services
Represent minors who have been placed in secure psychiatric programs. Review psychiatric reports to oversee progress and appropriateness of services. Attend hearings on behalf of minor every 3 months. Approximate time commitment: 9 months to 1 year. Training available.
Contact Selena Schoonover at 813-272-6172, email: schoonsl@fljud13.org
