What is the role of a CASA/GAL volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained advocate appointed by a judge or magistrate to represent the best interests of a child in court, often due to situations involving abuse or neglect. CASA/GAL volunteers gather information about the child’s experience, prepare court reports, attend hearings, and recommend placement and services to the court.
CASA/GALs are community members. No special or legal background is required. However, volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence, and commitment. CASA/GAL volunteers must be at least 21 years old and successfully complete a background check.
CASA/GALs are diverse, coming from different professions, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. They include both men and women who are working, retired, stay-at-home parents, or full-time volunteers.
Volunteers undergo an initial 40-hour training program. Training covers topics such as the child welfare system, court processes, court report writing, and effective advocacy.
Volunteering typically requires about 7-15 hours a month. It can vary depending on the complexities of individual cases. Usually, the bulk of your time is invested at the beginning of the case.
CASA/GAL volunteers make a difference by providing stable and personalized attention to the child they are assigned. They advocate for the child's best interests in court, ensure the child receives necessary services, and empower the child by listening to their wishes. Their consistency on a case helps improve the child's overall well-being and future outcomes.
The CASA/GAL does not provide legal representation; that is for attorneys. Instead, CASA/GAL volunteers advocate for the child's best interests and provide important background information to help judges make the right decisions for the child.
CASAs and guardians ad litem share the same order of appointment and legal obligations. In Franklin County, a CASA volunteer may serve as GAL. Sometimes, attorneys are appointed as guardians ad litem. In both cases, the CASA volunteer or the attorney guardian ad litem strives to advocate for the child's best interests.
While case workers manage multiple cases and focus on the broader welfare of families, CASA/GAL volunteers concentrate exclusively on advocating for the singular interests of one child or sibling group within the juvenile court system.
The Court deems both as valuable sources of information and will ask for both opinions.
CASA/GAL volunteers are assigned to children involved in the juvenile court system due to abuse, neglect, or dependency.
On average, a CASA/GAL volunteer handles between one and three cases at a time, depending on their available time.
CASA/GAL volunteers do not provide services directly to the child. They interview the child if they are old enough to speak. If not, they watch how the child interacts with others in their life. Advocates give the child support, guidance, and stability during complex legal situations. They help the child understand what is happening and the roles of the judge, lawyers, and social workers. The CASA volunteer also motivates the child to share their thoughts and hopes.
CASA/GAL volunteers remain assigned to a case until it is resolved, which could mean the children are back with their parents, living with relatives, or permanently adopted. The duration of a case can differ; typically, it may last up to two years (and in some rarer cases, longer...). We request that volunteers commit to the duration of their first case.
There are more than 950 CASA programs in 49 states, with over 96,000 CASA volunteers across the country. In Ohio, there are currently 48 CASA programs that serve children in need in 62 counties.
Preliminary findings indicate that children assigned a CASA/GAL volunteer spend less time in the court system and foster care compared to those without one. Judges have observed that CASA children have better chances of finding permanent homes than non-CASA children.
Yes, juvenile judges support the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint the volunteers.
The National CASA/GAL Association for Children is a non-profit that supports local CASA/GAL programs by offering training, technical help, research, news, and public awareness. Based in Seattle, Washington, it is funded through private grants, federal funds, memberships, and donations.
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests.