Indiana lawmakers will receive a progress report from the State Office of Guardian Ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocates (GAL/CASA) on April 7th at the State House.  Media is invited to attend and learn more about the program working on behalf of abused and neglected children.

GAL/CASA program staff and volunteers from across the state will meet with lawmakers during a continental breakfast.  It is an opportunity for lawmakers to receive the progress report from their local program staff and volunteers. 

The State Office of GAL/CASA was established in 1989 by the General Assembly.  Indiana law requires the appointment of a GAL/CASA for every child in abuse and neglect, and termination of parental rights cases.  The State Office, which is administered by the Indiana Supreme Court through its Division of State Court Administration, distributes matching grants through funds provided by the Legislature. 

Sixty-five counties have certified GAL/CASA programs and receive state matching grants.  Advocates are trained community volunteers who meet with foster children and provide recommendations to the court as to the children’s needs while they are in foster care.  GAL/CASA volunteers help ensure that children have a voice in the proceedings and that they are able to return home or are placed in another permanent living environment.   

Programs across the state are currently in need of volunteers.  Volunteers advocated for over 14,000 children in 2008; however, there are more than 4,000 children on a waiting list and in need of an advocate.  For more information on GAL/CASA visit courts.IN.gov/galcasa.