We’ve been standing up for children since 1977.
We’ve been standing up for children since 1977.
Inspiration came to Seattle juvenile court judge David W. Soukup in 1976.
Judge Soukup had insufficient information to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who had suffered from child abuse.
That’s where the idea came from: These children, who had experienced abuse or neglect, needed trained volunteers speaking up in the courtroom for their best interests.
“When I walked into the lunchroom, there were 50 people there. And I said, ‘This is going to work.’”
– Judge Soukup on the first CASA/GAL meeting, thinking six or seven people would show up
We are deeply saddened to share with you that Judge David W. Soukup, the founder of the court-appointed special advocate/volunteer guardian ad litem (CASA/GAL) movement, has passed away.
We celebrate the life of Judge Soukup and are extraordinarily grateful for his vision, leadership, and remarkable support of the CASA/GAL mission at the local, state and national levels for over 40 years.