Guardian Ad-Litem

As a child advocate, a GAL/CASA volunteer has three main responsibilities:

To serve as a fact-finder for the Court. A GAL/CASA research should include reviewing documents and interviewing the child(ren), parents, neighbors, school officials and other professionals. Reports on the findings are written in a report and submitted to the GAL/CASA office for review and then submitted to the Court.

To speak for the child in the courtroom, focusing exclusively on the child’s best interest. Is it best for a child to be placed with other family members … in a foster home …a therapeutic facility…or returned home with ongoing services? Is it best for the child to then remain in the home … in foster care.or therapeutic facility …or freed for adoption? A GAL/CASA provides the Judge with information that helps answer these questions in the best interest of the child.

To continue to act as an advocate for the child during the case, ensuring the child is provided a permanent home that is safe, loving, nurturing and secure.