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Thank you for your interest in supporting children in foster care through Court Appointed Special Advocates of Minnesota. While some prospective volunteers have already connected with CASA Minnesota through our volunteer recruitment efforts, others may have entered the program directly through the State Guardian ad Litem Program. Regardless of how you arrived, we want all volunteers to understand the role CASA Minnesota plays in supporting your success as a child advocate. |
What is a Guardian ad Litem? |
Children in foster care often have many adults involved in their lives—attorneys, social workers, therapists, teachers, foster parents, and judges. A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is the one person whose sole responsibility is to advocate for the child’s best interests. GALs build relationships with children, gather information from the people involved in their care, and make recommendations to the court regarding services, family connections, and living arrangements. Their goal is to help ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. |
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Volunteer vs State-Employed GALs |
| Volunteer GALs serve in the same role as state-employed GALs and receive the same training and supervision through the State Guardian ad Litem Program. CASA Minnesota’s role is to recruit, retain, recognize, and engage volunteers, while partnering with the state to strengthen volunteer training, onboarding, continuing education, and the overall volunteer experience. Together, we are working to ensure children receive the strongest possible advocacy and that their best interests remain at the center of every decision. |
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Virtual Information Sessions |
| For anyone interested in learning more about CASA Minnesota and the volunteer Guardian ad Litem program, I will be hosting virtual information session Monday, July 20, from noon to 12:30pm. These informal gatherings are an opportunity to ask questions, connect with CASA Minnesota leadership, and learn more about the resources and support available to volunteers. Whether you are considering becoming a volunteer or have recently joined the program, I hope you’ll join us for a conversation.
Additional virtual informational sessions will be added each month. |
