Submitted by Office of State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Earlier this week, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) honored Indiana’s Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program on its 35th anniversary with a resolution.
GALs/CASAs serve a critical role in Indiana’s court system – volunteering as a child’s advocate during Children in Need of Services (CHINS) court cases. They meet with the child, review case documents, speak with involved professionals, and visit both the parents and the placement. Drawing on this information, the volunteer prepares a summary and makes an independent, objective recommendation to help the court make decisions in the child’s best interest.
In 2024, 2,812 active volunteers spent more than 285,000 hours advocating for 19,602 children.
“This week, I honored the incredible dedication and compassion of Indiana’s GALs and CASAs, who have been standing up for the rights and wellbeing of Hoosier children for 35 years,” State Rep. Garcia Wilburn said. “For more than three decades, these selfless volunteers and professionals have been the voice for our most vulnerable – ensuring that every child is seen, heard and supported. Their unwavering commitment has changed countless lives and strengthened communities across our state.
“I wish all of our GALs and CASAs 35 more years of advocacy, hope, and heart. It was a privilege to be joined on this resolution by Senator Bray, highlighting that child welfare is a bipartisan issue. As I continue my work as ranking minority member of the House Judiciary Committee, I will continue to advocate for a court system that protects our kids.”