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Hernando letter to the editor: Volunteer to help Guardian ad Litem Program

 
Published Nov. 16, 2016

Give thanks by volunteering

For abused and neglected children, Thanksgiving isn't about giving thanks.

On Thanksgiving, most Americans will sit down to a table of their favorite foods and give thanks for the gifts bestowed upon them. They will exchange stories, watch football, laugh and enjoy the presence of those they seldom see.

But for children who are involved with the dependency court and child welfare systems, the intent and purpose of this tradition is all but lost on them. From their point of view, the occasion is a painful reminder of the fact that instead of sitting next to Mom and Dad, they're sitting at a table occupied by complete strangers or at best, willing relatives. They're reminded of their uncertain status and the fact that instead of being called by name, they are now referred to by case and number. They're aware their circumstances, though no fault of their own, have put them in a position wherein the odds are stacked against them. They've learned they're more apt to fall behind in school, choose the wrong friends, engage in criminal activity and develop inadequate coping skills. They now know they're children for whom there are low expectations or worse yet, society's probable failures.

The circumstances surrounding their plight have required their futures be put on hold. First and foremost, they must figure out how best to survive. Survive the ever-present sense of uncertainty, survive the multiple placements, survive those who are well-intended but grossly unaware, and perhaps most challenging, survive the debilitating sense of loss and indescribable fear and anger that threatens both their days and nights.

This Thanksgiving, as you're sitting around the table and giving thanks for all your blessings, I hope you'll keep in mind the over 800 Hernando and Citrus County children who, due to abuse and neglect, are unable to "give thanks." I hope you will call or visit the Guardian ad Litem program at (352) 812-6971 or GuardianadLitem5.org to learn that by volunteering you can give these children something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Marcia Hilty, Circuit Director, 5th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program