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What are Trauma-Responsive Court Systems in Orlando, Florida and Lake Mary, Florida?

Have you ever heard of trauma-responsive court systems? There was an interesting article in The Bar Journal/May/June 2025 by Gabriella Cerasol, MacKenzie Dileo, Shayna R. Schulman, Megan Sirvent, and Ashley Ware on Trauma-Responsive Systems: an approach for Attorney ad Litem. The article explains the Trauma-Responsive Court Systems in Orlando, Florida and Lake Mary, Florida.

The author states that trauma is inherent in the dependency system. Dysfunction, loneliness, and fear in the most critical stages of development underlie every case of abandonment, and neglect or unfounded accusations of the same. The author states that every child touched by the system will be affected by trauma. They point out that not every child has an Attorney ad Litem appointed for them and that it is usually reserved for certain children with statutorily special needs. 

The author speaks about the definition of trauma as an emotional response to a terrible event. She goes on to describe how childhood trauma and stress negatively impact children in the present and throughout their lives. She states that for many children, being removed from their homes and placed in the system constitutes a crisis. She states that the parents can also experience trauma when this happens. The author uses this article to address the problems Attorneys ad Litem and attorneys working with families in the court system face. 

The article then goes on to advise attorneys on how to become Trauma-Responsive attorneys. The article explains that an Attorney ad Litem, unlike a GAL, represents a child’s stated or legal interest, not their best interest. The article states that the Attorney as Litem should ensure the decision the child makes, and that the attorney advocates for and reflects the child’s position. The author states that, in order for the attorney to get the child to say what he or she wants, it is important for the attorney to build trust with the child. The author states that the attorney can accomplish this by meeting with the child on a regular basis. 

The author states that building trust and rapport may take time, but it is a crucial aspect of the attorney ad litem’s role. The article gave attorneys great points to help alleviate trauma and stress for a child in a dependency case. Thank you to the authors for this informative article and for caring so passionately for these children. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. on 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https://www.annmariegildenlaw.com 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney-client privilege.