National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) is a reminder that some of the most powerful change in children’s lives doesn’t come from systems, it comes from committed individuals who show up, stand up, and speak up. CASA MN is inviting community members to consider becoming Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer to be a voice for children in our courts.
When a child has experienced serious abuse or neglect at home, they face a world of hearings, case plans, and adults they’ve never met. It’s scary for them and especially frightening for young children. CASA/GAL volunteers are trained community members who get to know one child or sibling group, gather information and provide independent, child-centered recommendations to the judge in court. In a system where workers and placements can change, a CASA/GAL is often the one steady adult focused solely on the child’s best interests.
During National Volunteer Week, we celebrate current advocates and ask: who will stand beside Minnesota children entering care? CASA MN partners with the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program to recruit, train, and support volunteers from all walks of life. No legal background is required, just compassion, reliability, and a willingness to learn. If you’ve been looking for a way to make your time and voice truly matter, this is the moment to explore what it means to become a CASA/GAL volunteer in Minnesota.
