About the CASA/VGAL Program

The CASA/VGAL program provides court appointed special advocates for children who are victims or alleged victims of abuse or neglect.

Working with the judge, attorneys, and social workers, the CASA/VGAL helps to establish a secure place for these children, preventing further abuse and costs to the child and society down the road.

Specially trained volunteers are appointed by Superior Court judges to represent the children's best interests during dependency action brought against the parents.

Although attorneys previously handled this function, it has been shown that properly trained volunteers can more effectively serve the children's best interests in the dependency process. CASA/VGALs are not to be confused with Family Court Guardian ad Litems. CASA/VGALs do not represent either parent in a custody dispute due to divorce. CASA/VGALs represent the child only. 

CASA/VGALs assume no financial, legal, or custodial responsibilities for the child. Their role is limited to gathering and presenting information and speaking on behalf of the dependent child in court. The Program's goal is to ensure that a child's right to a safe, permanent home is acted on by the court in a sensitive and expedient manner.