If you are seeking information about a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), please start by reviewing the information below and identifying the appropriate category of GAL or GAL/CASA.
Family Law GALs:
- Involved in family law disputes: paternity, divorce/dissolution of marriage, legal separation, third party custody, child guardianships
- These cases are generally between two parents or other family members without the involvement of the Department of Child Services (DCS)
- Often attorneys or professionals with specific training
CHINS or TPR CASA/GAL
- Involved in cases where the Department of Child Services has identified a child as the victim of abuse, neglect, or otherwise in need of services they are not receiving; this includes CHINS and TPR cases
- In a child welfare case, GAL and CASA are used interchangeably
- The advocate is typically a trained community volunteer or staff of a volunteer-based program