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Our Reach

Our Reach

CASA/GAL volunteers advocate on the behalf of children who are before the court because they have experienced abuse or neglect. Most of the children we serve are in foster care.

We lead the continued growth and development of an extensive national network of CASA/GAL programs, each of which recruits, trains and supports volunteers.

939

state CASA/GAL organizations and local CASA/GAL programs operated in 49 states

97,900

dedicated volunteers

242,000

children served annually

The Problem: Overwhelmed Systems

  • Child welfare systems are in a state of crisis, partly due to a devastating opioid epidemic.
  • More than 390,000 children are in foster care on any given day.
  • The average child in foster care spends more than a year in care.

The Solution: Advocates from the Community

  • Volunteer advocates are screened, trained and supported by CASA/GAL program staff.
  • CASA/GAL volunteers form a one-on-one relationship with a child and get a full picture of the case.
  • Judges depend on CASA/GAL volunteers for critical information to help them make the most well-informed decisions.

“It is our goal that every child in the dependency system has a trained CASA or GAL volunteer […]. We have seen first-hand that these volunteer advocates make a positive difference in children’s lives.” – Statement by 15 past presidents of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

"CASA volunteers play a unique role on behalf of some of our most vulnerable children. Their commitment, vigilance and persistence offer hope where there has been little."

– Marian Wright Edelman, Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund

Help us meet the growing need

In 2021, CASA/GAL programs had 97,900 volunteers and helped change the lives of 242,000 children. But many children still need an advocate on their side.

Join us today