CASA/GAL Volunteer Advocate for Kids

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Little Voices Need BIG Amplifiers.
Kids' Voice Volunteer Advocates can make a pivotal difference in the trajectory of a vulnerable child’s life. Our volunteers receive thorough training, guidance, and ongoing support from Kids’ Voice staff. Our volunteer opportunities include, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Guardian ad Litems (GAL), and Educational Liaisons (EL). All of our volunteers are matched with a child or sibling group, gather information about the child and their circumstances, and report on that information to the court. Judges rely on the independent, unbiased, and common-sense perspective of our volunteers to make informed decisions about the child's best interests and future.

• CASA Volunteer Advocates (Court Appointed Special Advocates) amplify the voices of abused, neglected, and vulnerable children who have been designated by the Department of Child Services (DCS) as Children in Need of Services (CHINS). AS a CASA, you get to know the child, advocate for their needs, and represent their best interests in court.
• GAL Volunteer Advocates (Guardians ad Litem) amplify the voices of children involved in custody cases, which include especially contentious paternity, divorce, guardianship, and adoption cases in Marion County. As a GAL, you will conduct home visits, investigate the children’s situations, interview family members and other service providers, and write a report with recommendations for the court. You may also appear in court and testify on the children’s behalf.
• EL Volunteer Advocates (Educational Liaison) work to improve educational outcomes for children who need additional social, emotional, and educational support to succeed in school due to trauma and
  other life challenges. Each Kids' Voice GAL/CASA team includes an EL to support the academic success of the children we serve. An EL might be recommended for a child if the school is considering suspension or expulsion, testing for special education services, or the school is not meeting the child's educational needs. The EL develops collaborative relationships with the student, family, school, and providers.