The CASA MN program is certified by National CASA/GAL.
Minnesota has 10 judicial districts. While volunteers are currently focused in the largest districts (Hennepin and Ramsey), CASA MN works statewide to provide support to at-risk children in foster and kin care.
The mission of National CASA/GAL, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can be safe, establish permanency, and have the opportunity to thrive.
In Minnesota, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are known as Guardians ad Litem. Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are appointed by the Court to represent the best interests of children brought into the child protection system. The appointment of a Guardian ad Litem is mandated by federal and state law when there are allegations of abuse and/or neglect of a child.
Guardians ad Litem serve as independent advocates, ensuring that each child’s best interests are heard by the Court throughout the course of the child protection case. Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are not legal guardians for the children they serve. Rather, they provide vital objective insight for the Court to consider regarding child’s safety, stability, needs, and interests.
As a CASA MN volunteer Guardian ad Litem, you have the unique opportunity to positively impact a vulnerable child’s life. Your advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect provides a crucial child-centered perspective for the judge, ensuring the child’s best interests are heard, understood, and considered.
The mission of CASA Minnesota is to support and promote court-appointed volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children so that they can be safe, establish permanency, and have the opportunity to thrive.
