Championing Children's Voices: A Conversation with Child Advocate Rosi Alvarez
Child Advocate Rosi Alvarez describes life as a verb; her focus on action makes it easy to see why. A dedicated Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care for the last 24 years, Rosi’s commitment to volunteering began when she was just 14 while helping developmentally disabled children after hours.
Becoming a mom ignited Rosi’s passion for her sons' education and deepened her commitment to her community. She served as a room parent every year until her sons graduated, ensuring a nurturing environment for their classmates. But her impact went further. She spearheaded the creation of the school's Parent-to-Parent Group, fostering a network of support for fellow parents. Her vision extended beyond the school walls, as she also founded the inaugural Boy Scout Pack and Troop, shaping young lives through outdoor adventure and values.
Beyond education, Rosi's influence extended to community development. She served on the Board of Drug-Free Youth and The Miami Coalition, demonstrating her commitment to a safe environment for young people. Her leadership extended further as a founding member of the Town of Cutler Bay Incorporation Committee and appointee to the Miami Dade Municipal Advisory Committee.
In 1999, she became a certified Guardian ad Litem with Florida’s 11th Judicial Court. Throughout her 25-year tenure as a Guardian ad Litem, Rosi has advocated for the best interests of dozens of children experiencing foster care in Miami-Dade. In this role, Rosi is court appointed to advocate for the best interests of children undergoing dependency proceedings; she is supported by an office supervisor and attorney in her efforts. After building relationships with her assigned children and speaking with the adults involved in their lives, Rosi works collaboratively with the supervisor and attorney to represent the youth’s best interests in court and the community.
But Rosi's work with the local Office doesn’t end there. She is also the chairperson of the Volunteer Advisory Council, Founder and Chairperson of the Guardian-to-Guardian volunteer group (which serves as a support system for other volunteers) and serves an educational surrogate for youth who may need a caring adult to speak up for their educational needs.
Learn more about Rosi below.
In your experience, what kind of impact does a Guardian ad Litem have on a child's life in foster care?
Rosi: Deep roots grow big wings. We are the steady go-to persons the children lean on while navigating the court system. Our most rewarding day is when the children move on to their new lives with a larger wingspan because we held their hand they needed it.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a child advocate?
Rosi: Everything about being a Guardian ad Litem is rewarding, even when we encounter sadness and frustration. Because have access to the child and to resources, we aim as high as necessary to right the wrongs perpetrated upon them. Most importantly, we remind them that every little win, no matter how small, is a win they can build upon in the future. We give them hope.
About Voices For Children and the Guardian ad Litem Office
Voices For Children believes that all children navigating the foster care system should have quality advocacy, access to basic and dignity items, and enriching experiences that allow them to dream beyond their circumstances. Driven by this vision, Voices For Children provides critical funding to Miami-Dade’s Guardian ad Litem Office to ensure that every child entering the system has a voice in court.
To find out how you can get involved, click here.
