The Guardian Ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocate (GAL/CASA) programs across the state are accepting volunteers who will be trained to make a difference in a child’s life.  The program is currently helping more than 16-thousand children who are involved in abuse or neglect cases.  Still, more than 3-thousand children are on a waiting list to be appointed an advocate.  

Statewide, more than 2-thousand GAL/CASA volunteers are making a commitment to serve the children of their community.  State Director, Leslie Dunn urges more people to consider serving as a volunteer.  Dunn explained, “The volunteers who find a special place in their heart for children in need are rewarded tenfold by knowing they are making a positive impact in their community.” 

The Indiana program was established in 1989 by the General Assembly.  Indiana law requires the appointment of either a guardian ad litem or a trained GAL/CASA in abuse and neglect cases.  The program is administered by the Indiana Supreme Court through the Division of State Court Administration.  There are local programs in 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties.

State Court Administration Executive Director, Lilia Judson, and CASA Director, Leslie Dunn continue to encourage support for the program and recently talked about it with the Indianapolis Star.  The article appeared in the newspaper August 8th .