Florida Department of Children & Families
Newsroom
Press Release
Department of Children and Families
Governor
George H. Sheldon
Secretary
December 30, 2010
(850) 488-4855
Abramowitz Appointed to Executive Director of the Statewide
Guardian Ad Litem Office
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed the head of the Department's Family Safety Program Office, Alan Abramowitz, as Executive Director of the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office.
Under Abramowitz’s leadership, the Department has successfully and safely reduced the number of children in out-of-home care by more than 30 percent in the past three years.
"While it is difficult to see someone with the passion and energy of Alan leave the Department, it is great news for anyone who cares about this state's children to know that he will continue fighting for a bright future for every child," said Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon
The Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Program is a partnership of community advocates and professional staff providing a voice on behalf of Florida’s abused and neglected children. The program pairs staff with community volunteers who get to know each child on an individual basis and advocate for their best interests. Additionally, the program uses a team of well-trained volunteers, case coordinators and program attorneys to provide services to Florida's children.
"Guardians Ad Litem have a heartfelt commitment to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by providing them a credible and conscientious voice in the dependency court system," said Abramowitz. "Volunteers are the heart and soul of the office. The role of the State Office is to support the volunteers so they can advocate effectively for children and give children a voice."
Abramowitz, a former volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, said his first experience has stuck with him.
"I still remember the first two children I represented as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, Gerald and Candice, back in 1988. Representing them was among the most rewarding experiences I could have as an advocate. The difference a person can make in the life of a child happens every day around the state."
Abramowitz has been with the Department since 2000 when he served as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Central Florida area. Prior to then, he was Assistant General Counsel for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for four years. Abramowitz also worked as an assistant state attorney and an assistant public defender for the State of Florida.
He volunteered for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kenya in 1994 and served in the Peace Corps in Thailand from 1990 to 1992.
Abramowitz holds a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University, and Master degrees in Public Administration and Sociology and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Kansas State University. He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats. Alan and his wife Jodi have two children.
###