Sunday Offerings
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and
Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Programs
July and August 2009 recipient
Who helps children when parents are fighting through a nasty divorce? Who takes the child’s side in cases of domestic violence?
When children become involved in the adult world of domestic legal affairs somebody has to look out for the child. The court can appoint a special advocate (CASA) or a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who will look out for the interests of the child. These advocates can be an attorney, a mental health advocate or a volunteer.
The advocates interview parents and teachers and others involved with the care of the child. They observe parenting. These advocates investigate all aspects of the case and make recommendations to the courts which take these recommendations very seriously.
In King County the advocates are volunteers. Due to recent cuts in program funding the program is not able to fill the needs of the many children who need advocates.
You can help an abused, neglected or otherwise at risk child by becoming a Volunteer GAL. Call Merrie Emmons for more information. Merrie was a Guardian ad Litem for ten years.
Would you like to nominate a charity?
Fill out a nomination form and place it in the Sunday Offerings mailbox.