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  • CASAs and GALs

CASAs and GALs

Court appointed special advocates (CASAs) and guardians ad litem (GALs) are appointed by judges to ensure that the needs and best interests of children or youth in juvenile or family court are fully represented. CASAs are trained volunteers; GALs may be attorneys or trained volunteers. 

Be a CASA or GAL Volunteer
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
Explains how court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) work within the court system to ensure abused and neglected children are not exploited within the legal and social service's systems. CASA volunteers also ensure children and youth are placed in safe group and foster homes. 

The Benefits of a Positive Relationship Between the CASA and the Foster Parent  
CASA for Children of DC (2019) 
Guides professionals on building a positive relationship between the CASA volunteer and the foster parents which can ultimately provide a better outcome for the child.  

CASA: The Benefits of Volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Law School
American Bar Association (2019)
Provides a first-hand account of the benefits of becoming a court-appointed advocate.

The Child’s Voice in Court: The Role of the Guardian ad Litem [Podcast]
Beyond the Bench (2017)
Find out how the child is advocated for in court through the voices of a guardian ad litem and the children.

Even More Vulnerable: How CASA Volunteers Can Advocate for Youth in Foster Care Who Become Involved With Foster Care Who Become Involved With Juvenile Justice 
Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (2021)
Describes ways volunteers can diligently serve youth to reduce the likelihood of them entering the juvenile justice system.

Representation of Children in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings

Series Title
State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability
View
Download (PDF - 383KB)
Year Published
2021
Examines State laws that specify when a state court must provide legal representation for a child involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings and whether that representative must be an attorney, guardian ad litem, or a court-appointed special advocate. The qualifications, training, specific duties, and compensation of the representative also are addressed. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.

Statutory Provisions for Guardians ad Litem
American Bar Association (2018)
Details the roles and responsibilities of a volunteer in terms of advocating for a child’s decisions. 

What Is the Difference Between a GAL and a CASA?
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (2019)
Focuses on the differences between the two volunteer roles to gain a better understanding of how a child can benefit from each one. 

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem?
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid & Legal Services State Support
Explains the role and responsibilities of guardians ad litem, including clarifying features from the role of guardians and lawyers.

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Spotlight On

How the Child Welfare System Works
Child Welfare Information Gateway
(2020)

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