DO YOU WANT TO BE A CASA/GAL VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE, AND JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GET STARTED?
As a first step to becoming a CASA or GAL volunteer, join us for an upcoming virtual, one-hour Information Session. Upcoming Information Sessions are listed on our Events page.
ABOUT OUR CASA/GAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
A CASA for Kids’ Voice is a volunteer who serves as the “voice in court” for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. Kids’ Voice of Indiana is appointed in all abuse and neglect cases in Marion County when a judge decides the court’s ongoing intervention (and the involvement of the Department of Child Services), is required to keep the child safe. As you can imagine, this is a scary, vulnerable and complicated time in a child’s life. Our volunteers get to know the child, advocate for their needs, and present their best interests to the judge who is making consequential decisions on the child’s behalf.
Learn more about our CASA volunteer program.
GAL volunteers for Kids’ Voice are appointed to advocate for children whose family is experiencing instability due to an especially contentious family legal matter. GAL volunteers will often conduct home visits, investigate the children’s situations, and interview family members and other service providers. The GAL volunteer may provide a report with recommendations for mediation or a court hearing, and this report is sent to counsel for the parties or self represented parties. The volunteers may also appear in court and testify on the children’s behalf. Each volunteer receives training from the Kids’ Voice staff, and our volunteers are supported and advised by a Kids’ Voice staff attorney throughout the case.
Learn more about our GAL volunteer program.
CASA and GAL volunteers at Kids’ Voice do similar work, but for different types of legal cases. CASA volunteers are appointed to cases when a child has experienced abuse or neglect, while GAL volunteers are appointed to cases regarding adoption, divorce, paternity, and guardianship.
CASA & GAL volunteer advocates come from all walks of life. They are dedicated, trained and supervised volunteers, appointed by the courts to gather information and make recommendations about what is in a child’s best interest. Our volunteers are at least 21 years old and pass criminal and DCS background checks.
To learn more about becoming a CASA or GAL volunteer, join us for an upcoming virtual, one-hour Information Session. Upcoming Information Sessions are listed on our Events page.
If you have questions about our volunteer program prior to attending an information session, you can contact us here.
