TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The state is looking to recruit 10,000 child advocates in a new initiative.

Guardian ad litems are court appointed advocates who weigh in on issues such as how a child is doing in a foster home.

The state has about 30,000 children in foster care. About 8,000 court-appointed volunteers help to advocate for 22,000 foster children.

The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office will hold a news conference in Tampa on Friday as it kicks of the ‘I am for the child’ campaign to recruit volunteers for the remaining children.

Executive Director Alan Abramowitz said the organization will also begin airing 30-second public service announcements to advance the message.

Abramowitz says the volunteers are “role models, mentors, and the true heroes for these children.”

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Online: www.GuardianadLitem.org