rabbit yawning

Without court appointed CASA volunteers, America’s abused and neglected children have no voice in the homes they are raised in or the courts that manage their lives in foster care.

States like Virginia are now forcing children back into homes where they have been sexually abused, or otherwise tortured.

The World Health Organization defines torture as “extended exposure to violence and deprivation”.

Every child in my CASA guardian ad-Litem caseload had been tortured (many of them two and four years old).  Beaten, tied to a bed, sexually abused, left alone without food for days at a time, and one 7 year old had been prostituted.  Every child deserves a safe home and a voice in our community.

Six million children are reported to child protection services in America each year.  Only a fraction of them receive help from their community.  Current and former CASA guardian ad-Litems can have a major impact on building awareness and protecting our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

This page will be updated weekly, and I solicit your related questions, stories, and news from around the nation.

Learn more about how you can reach out in your community to help troubled children.  If the program doesn’t exist where you live, contact national CASA and find out how to start one.

 

Buy our book or donate  Watch Our Video

 

 

 

Guardian ad Litem needs volunteers

Sun-Sentinel

On May 21, the School Board of Broward County issued a proclamation in

support of National Foster Care Month. The board stressed the importance of

groups such as the Guardian ad Litem Program, ChildNet, foster families,

Broward County Schools and …

<http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/letters/fl-online-letter3-20130526,0,7095252.story>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/letters/fl-online-letter3-20130526,0,7095252.story&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida improved

Naples Daily News

BB&T-OTC team members coordinated painting, reorganized and decorated the

toddler and teen waiting rooms of Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida

Guardian ad Litem Program at the Lee County Courthouse. “The outcome of

this improvement project is …

<http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/may/24/voices-for-kids-of-southwest-florida-improved-1001/>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/may/24/voices-for-kids-of-southwest-florida-improved-1001/&hl=en&geo=us>

 

County needs more adults to love broken children

Gaston Gazette

But she’s doing something about it, by volunteering as an advocate for

three children in the state’s Guardian ad Litem program. Her sole purpose

is to speak for the best interests of those foster children while their

future is being dictated by the …

<http://www.gastongazette.com/county-needs-more-adults-to-love-broken-children-1.150644>

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ESTATE OF CARMELA KERN, Deceased

New York Law Journal (registration)

ESTATE OF CARMELA KERN, Deceased (346/B/12) — In this probate proceeding,

the Guardian ad Litem, appointed on behalf of infant distributees, has

filed his report wherein he consents that the matter be settled in

accordance with a Stipulation reached …

<http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/CaseDecisionNY.jsp?id=1202601401503&ESTATE_OF_CARMELA_KERN_Deceased>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/CaseDecisionNY.jsp%3Fid%3D1202601401503%26ESTATE_OF_CARMELA_KERN_Deceased&hl=en&geo=us>

 

comment(s)

Fayetteville Observer

Amy W. Cox was named district administrator for the Guardian ad Litem

Program in Robeson County. Cox will oversee a staff of three and more than

75 volunteers. The program provides children with an independent voice and

advocates for abused and …

<http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/05/26/1257175?sac=fo.business>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/05/26/1257175%3Fsac%3Dfo.business&hl=en&geo=us>

 

News briefs

Sampson Independent

Be a child advocate – The Guardian ad Litem Program is now accepting

applications for child advocates. A Guardian ad Litem is a community

volunteer who is chosen to represent the best interests of abused and

neglected children in court. After passing a …

<http://www.clintonnc.com/view/full_story/22730362/article-News-briefs>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.clintonnc.com/view/full_story/22730362/article-News-briefs&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Wednesday’s letters: Making a difference for children

Tampabay.com

On behalf of Florida’s 9,000-plus Guardian ad Litem volunteers, our

professional staff, and the tens of thousands of abused, neglected and

abandoned young people we serve, we express our sincere gratitude to Sen.

Nancy Detert for her spirit and spunk.

<http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/wednesdays-letters-making-a-difference-for-children/2123448>

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Weekly Roundup: Scott Signs Budget, Then Heads For The Border

Orlando Advacate (blog)

One winner was the Florida Guardian ad Litem program, which picked up $3.8

million to increase volunteers to represent dependent children in the court

system and $323,000 to provide attorneys ad litem for disabled dependent

children in nursing homes.

<http://www.orlandoadvocate.com/index.php/local/65850-weekly-roundup-scott-signs-budget-then-heads-for-the-border>

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I want to give up my grandchild for adoption

Daily Nation

In the case of a child who gets sued, the court appoints a guardian ad

litem, who will act on behalf of the child. The guardian ad litem has to be

free of any interest in the case and be fit to act as such. In case there

is no fit person to act, the …

<http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/Living/I-want-to-give-up-my-grandchild-for-adoption/-/1218/1864522/-/15mbtpfz/-/index.html>

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=== Web – 7 new results for [guardian ad litem] ===

 

Guardian Ad Litem May 2013 – YouTube

Guardian Ad Litem May 2013. ManateeEducationalTV·558 videos. Subscribe …

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSSCtIsFRxk>

 

Charleston Guardian ad Litem – Charleston, SC – Government …

Charleston Guardian ad Litem, Charleston, SC. 37 likes · 4 talking about

this. Our mission is to advocate for every abused and neglected child who

is involved …

<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charleston-Guardian-ad-Litem/107225949365707>

 

20th Circuit Court seeking Guardian ad Litem Case Coordinator …

The 20th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program is currently seeking a Case

Coordinator 1 to join its. Lee County office. This is responsible

professional work, …

<http://gulfcoastpartnership.org/20th-circuit-court-seeking-guardian-ad-litem-case-coordinator/>

 

Attorney Vendor Contracts – Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem

Attorney Vendor Contracts. Application period now open for Guardian ad

Litem vendor contracts. Attorneys interested in providing representation

for volunteer …

<http://scgal.org/state/attorneys.html>

 

Maine Guardian ad litem Continuing Education Opportunities The …

The following trainings have been pre-approved for Guardian ad litem

continuing education credits by the Chief Judge of the District Court.

2012-‐2013 …

<http://www.courts.state.me.us/maine_courts/family/gal/GAL%20CEU%202012-13%20Pre-approved%20Trngs%20Updated%205-14-13.pdf>

 

Hillsborough County needs more Guardians ad Litem – WFLA-TV …

The Guardian ad Litem Program began in Hillsborough County in 1985. …

court system, but about 1,800 don’t have a Guardian ad Litem to represent

them.

<http://www.wfla.com/story/22440240/hillsborough-county-needs-more-guardians-ad-litem>

 

Guardian ad Litem program lauds Bradley for his support | Tampa Star

State Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, was honored as an ‘;Honorary

Guardian ad Litem’; at …

<http://www.tampastar.com/index.php/sid/214622577/scat/3951354e01311858>

 

 

Guardian ad Litem program lauds Bradley for his support

Gainesville Sun

State Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, was honored as an “Honorary

Guardian ad Litem” at the annual volunteer recognition dinner held

recently in Gainesville. Bradley was recognized for his work during the

recent legislative session, supporting the …

<http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130519/ARTICLES/130519568>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130519/ARTICLES/130519568&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Scotland Guardian Ad Litem gets gift

Laurinburg Exchange

These books were then donated to Scotland County’s Guardian ad Litem

program which recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who act as

court-appointed advocates for children who have been removed from their

homes by the Department of Social …

<http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/view/full_story/22672506/article-Scotland-Guardian-Ad-Litem-gets-gift>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.laurinburgexchange.com/view/full_story/22672506/article-Scotland-Guardian-Ad-Litem-gets-gift&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Charity Challenge: Guardian Ad Litem Association

WLOS

Kids need a voice in court too, that’s the message and purpose of “Guardian

ad Litem Association” or GALA. Jennifer Nehlsen, district administrator,

“the way it used to work is the department of social service was heard in

court. The parents were heard …

<http://www.wlos.com/news/features/featured/stories/charity-challenge-guardian-ad-litem-association-760.shtml>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.wlos.com/news/features/featured/stories/charity-challenge-guardian-ad-litem-association-760.shtml&hl=en&geo=us>

 

16 Volunteer Guardians ad Litem Sworn into Lexington Family Court

Patch.com

A child advocate, or guardian ad litem as it’s called in South Carolina, is

a volunteer trained to become the voice of a child in court. The guardian

ad litem program pairs the trained volunteer with children involved in

neglect and abuse cases in …

<http://irmo.patch.com/articles/16-volunteer-guardians-ad-litem-sworn-into-lexington-family-court>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://irmo.patch.com/articles/16-volunteer-guardians-ad-litem-sworn-into-lexington-family-court&hl=en&geo=us>

 

State expands advocacy for Florida children in foster care

Daytona Beach News-Journal

Rick Scott, he has talked to me about how impressed he is by the work of

the thousands of guardian ad litem volunteers, also known as “volunteer

child advocates.” Scott has friends who are volunteers, and has heard

firsthand the enormous impact GAL …

<http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130522/OPINION/305219965/1027?Title=State-expands-advocacy-for-Florida-children-in-foster-care>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130522/OPINION/305219965/1027%3FTitle%3DState-expands-advocacy-for-Florida-children-in-foster-care&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Mahoning County CASA/GAL program and judge honored at 25th anniversary …

Akron Legal News

When Mahoning County Juvenile Judge Theresa Dellick was honored recently by

the Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian AD Litem program, she was

presented with a chocolate gavel and a Shining Star award. But the work and

advocacy she …

<http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/7064>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.akronlegalnews.com/editorial/7064&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Budget Surplus Turns Into Windfall For State Social Services

CBS Local

The Florida Guardian ad Litem program was a big winner, with $3.8 million

to increase volunteers to represent dependent children in the court system

and $323,000 to provide attorneys ad litem for disabled dependent children

in nursing homes. “I …

<http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/budget-surplus-turns-into-windfall-for-state-social-services/>

See all stories on this topic:

<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/budget-surplus-turns-into-windfall-for-state-social-services/&hl=en&geo=us>

 

The Links Annual Jazz Brunch is June 1

Indianapolis Recorder

Gregg Ellis, director of Guardian Ad Litem for Marion County Child

Advocates. Shaun Hawkins, vice president of Lilly New Ventures. Marcus

Robinson, chancellor and CEO of EdPower. William Rasdell, artist and

founder of My City My World. Marvin White …

<http://www.indianapolisrecorder.com/aroundtown/article_501b8170-c3b4-11e2-ba56-0019bb2963f4.html>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.indianapolisrecorder.com/aroundtown/article_501b8170-c3b4-11e2-ba56-0019bb2963f4.html&hl=en&geo=us>

 

The Justices Confront a Solomonic Task

The National Law Journal

This tug of war concerns an Oklahoma child, now more than 3 1/2,

who—possessing a mere “sliver of [Cherokee] genetic material” (Brief for

Guardian Ad Litem at 4)—is nonetheless deemed an “Indian child” because

she qualifies for tribe membership.

<http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp?id=1202600434011&The_Justices_Confront_a_Solomonic_Task>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNLJ.jsp%3Fid%3D1202600434011%26The_Justices_Confront_a_Solomonic_Task&hl=en&geo=us>

 

ONLINE UPDATE: St. Therese Outreach Volunteer Weekend

Lumina News

… Mary Tileston Outreach, Centre of Redemption, Phoenix Employment

Industry, St. Joseph Outreach, Wilmington Hospitality Interfaith Network,

First Fruits, Good Shepherd, International Seamen’s Center, Cape Fear

Guardian Ad Litem, Handmade With Love, …

<http://www.luminanews.com/article.asp?aid=12034&iid=378&sud=30>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.luminanews.com/article.asp%3Faid%3D12034%26iid%3D378%26sud%3D30&hl=en&geo=us>

 

Juvenile justice overhaul carries additional costs

Forsyth County News Online

“A guardian ad litem, maybe, but then we were using CASAs [Court

Appointed Special Advocates], which are volunteers, so that’s how we were

managing to get through without spending a lot of money.” Jackson said

the estimated $458,000 is on top of what …

<http://www.forsythnews.com/section/6/article/18180/>

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<http://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.forsythnews.com/section/6/article/18180/&hl=en&geo=us>

 

=== Web – 12 new results for [guardian ad litem] ===

 

Guardian Ad Litem Association – WLOS News13 – News 13 Charity …

News 13 has an exciting new challenge to help give back.Our morning anchors

are spotlighting three l.

<http://wlos.com/community/features/charity/stories/guardian-ad-litem-association-7.shtml>

 

Bradley named honorary Guardian ad Litem | StarkeJournal.com

State Senator Rob Bradley was honored as an honorary Guardian ad Litem at

the annual GAL Volunteer Recognition Dinner held in Gainesville on May

15th.

<http://starkejournal.com/bradley-named-honorary-guardian-ad-litem/>

 

Albuquerque Child Custody Attorney | Bernalillo County Guardian …

Contact Lopez Family Law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 505-633-8938 for

advice on child custody and guardian ad litem services.

<http://www.lopezfamilylaw.com/Practice-Areas/Child-Custody-And-Guardian-Ad-Litem.shtml>

 

Florida Guardian ad Litem « CBS Miami

Florida Guardian ad Litem …. Privacy Policy · Ad Choices · Terms of Use

· EEO Report · Advertise · Captioning · WFOR-TV Public File · WBFS-TV

Public File …

<http://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/florida-guardian-ad-litem/>

 

Guardian Ad Litem – [SubTitle]

Guardian Ad Litem ProgramDependency Volunteer Training. On-line Training

Home. Click a chapter title below to begin. Your progress will be shown to

the right …

<http://www.guardianadlitem.org/galvot/FlashSupport/Training.aspx>

 

Guardian ad Litem Training – The Robesonian

Volunteer Advocates Needed to Serve as a Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate

Could you step in and speak up for a neglected or abused child in court?

<http://www.robesonian.com/pages/ad_details/?id=48047698&instance=events>

 

guardian ad litem | 6000 M I L E M O M

Posts about guardian ad litem written by Selena Browne Gudino.

<http://6000milemom.wordpress.com/tag/guardian-ad-litem/>

 

Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or Attorney for a Minor Child (AMC) Quick …

This is the official website of the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch.

It is the mission of the Connecticut Judicial Branch to resolve matters

brought before it in a …

<http://www.jud.ct.gov/family/gal_amc.htm>

 

Guardian ad Litem – Divorce Forum and Child Custody Forum

The motion is also requesting I pay for the Guardian Ad Litem. My ex-wife

claims my 8 year old has a video which represents fighting but will not

show me and …

<http://forum.dadsdivorce.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=52761>

 

Guardian ad Litem | Uncategorized

2012 Florida Guardian Ad Litem Regional Training in Tampa April 2012. April

17, 2012. By marknixon. The Importance of Relationships as a Guardian ad

Litem …

<http://www.gal10th.com/category/uncategorized/>

 

What is Proper Investigation by a Guardian Ad Litem? | Walking On …

Guardian Ad Litem is supposed to investigate facts but ours uses opinion

and refuses to speak with the children – my nightmare with narcissistic

sociopath …

<http://eggshellsandquicksand.com/what-is-proper-investigation-by-a-guardian-ad-litem/>

 

Complaints fuel bid for guardian ad litem reform
Press Herald
NEW HAMPSHIRE HAS GUARDIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD. In New Hampshire, the guardian ad litem program has been overseen by the New Hampshire Guardian ad Litem Board since legislation was passed in 2002. The board has nine members appointed

 

 

Woman charged with stealing from nonprofit
Tallahassee.com
A woman is facing grand theft charges for her connection to stealing more than $90,000 in funds from a nonprofit that obtains donations for Guardian Ad Litem. Jamie Pitts, 37, was arrested Wednesday after investigators with the Tallahassee Police

Center’s fundraiser is something to laugh at
Greensboro News & Record
GREENSBORO — Mary Coyne Wessling, program supervisor at Guilford County’s Guardian Ad Litem Program, is a joker. Really. And she’s bringing her “World Tour” stand-up comedy act to the Interactive Resource Center on May 19. The show will raise

 

Judge candidate Rieder says she’s most like a judge already
Scranton Times-Tribune
Ms. Rieder said she would alter the court’s controversial guardian ad litem program to follow many of the recommendations of an Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts report. Judges too often appointed a guardian ad litem to represent a child

 

Courtappointed advocates helping more families – The Billings Gazette
Billings Gazette
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate — highly trained volunteers under the supervision of professional child advocates. When a child abuse or neglect case comes before a district judge, the judge can appoint a CASA volunteer to research

Train to help local abused and neglected kids
Daily Comet
CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a nonprofit group that trains volunteers to help abused and neglected children who have been taken from a parent or other caregiver. Adults get to know the children and guide them through the legal system

 

Retired couple team up on volunteer efforts
Muncie Star Press
The couple devote much of their time to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program that trains people to provide a voice in the courtroom for children who are in the foster care system. “The CASA work breaks your heart, and at the same time

Superheroes sought for CASA 5K event at Rowan
Gloucester County Times – NJ.com
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties has been on the hunt for community superheroes — and they found one. Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly dons a superhero cape in support of child abuse awareness.

Session Daily – Governor signs Guardian Ad Litem Board changes
Other changes include; clarifying that certain fees paid are for guardian ad litem purposes; strikes language that a guardian ad litem is appointed on a fee basis; and strikes language that the cost of court-appointed counsel to a guardian ad

 

Group of advocates for children to mark milestone
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
Lycoming County’s chapter of CASA Court Appointed Special Advocate will hold a dinner on May 16 to celebrate its 10th-year anniversary of helping abused and neglected children who come before local courts. The county chapter has 25 active volunteers

Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program – Wellington Preservation 
Guardian AdLitem ad Litem volunteers advocate for these children in court. Each volunteer advocate is specially trained to be a powerful voice for the children’s 
www.preservewellington.org/…/florida-guardian-ad-litem-pro…