May was National Foster Care Month – a time to raise awareness, affirm our commitment to children and youth in foster care, and highlight the incredible efforts of those who support them. At Engage Together®, we believe this is the perfect time to spotlight a powerhouse organization making a real difference: the National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
Through a national network of volunteers, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and GAL (Guardians ad Litem) programs ensure children in foster care are seen, heard, and supported. Here are five things we love about CASA/GAL – and why we think you will, too.
They Give Children a Voice
When children enter the foster care system, they’re often surrounded by adults making decisions about their lives, yet no one may be asking them what they truly need or want. CASA/GAL volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, these trained advocates get to know the child personally and speak up in court on their behalf. They ensure each child is seen, heard, and valued every step of the way
They Stay Through the Entire Case
Foster care is often a revolving door of caseworkers, attorneys, and placements. What stands out about CASA/GAL volunteers is that once assigned, they stay with the child throughout the duration of their case, offering vital consistency and emotional support. This continuity builds trust, stability, and reassurance for the child – something that is often in short supply.
They Help Children Thrive, Not Just Survive
CASA/GAL volunteers go beyond just making court recommendations. They connect children with critical resources such as counseling, education support, and extracurricular activities. Research shows that children with a CASA/GAL advocate are more likely to succeed in school, receive vital services, and find permanent homes faster than those without one.
They Are Trained and Equipped to Make a Difference
Every CASA/GAL volunteer completes extensive training before they are assigned a case. They learn how to navigate the legal and child welfare systems, how to communicate effectively with children and professionals, and how to identify the best support for each child’s needs. Their work is backed by ongoing support from local CASA/GAL programs, ensuring their efforts are informed and effective.
They Create Real, Lasting Impact
Perhaps what we love most about CASA/GAL is the transformational impact they make – one child at a time. Whether helping siblings stay together, advocating for proper healthcare, or simply showing up time and again, CASA/GAL volunteers change lives. Their work ensures that every child they serve knows they matter.
Ready to Engage?
CASA/GAL is a powerful example of how one individual’s commitment can shape a child’s future. At Engage Together®, we celebrate organizations like CASA/GAL that make it possible for communities to meaningfully engage.
Here’s how you can take action:
- Learn more at nationalcasagal.org.
- Find your local CASA/GAL program and ask how you can become involved. Chad Frymire, the Director of Public Policy at Dallas CASA, says, “CASA volunteers can play a critical role in identifying and supporting youth who may be at risk of or experiencing trafficking. Their consistent presence and advocacy help ensure that vulnerable children don’t fall through the cracks of the system. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect, consider becoming a CASA volunteer.”
- Check out the Fracture to Flourish podcast from Access Ventures, an important new narrative series that tackles the foster youth age-out crisis and features conversations from former foster youth and experts involved in the system. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
- Explore past posts from the Engage Together® Blog to learn more about the intersection between foster care and human trafficking.
- Learn more about why foster youth are vulnerable to human trafficking by taking these courses created by our friends at Justice U™: the FREE 1-hour Human Trafficking Awareness course, created for individuals and community members, or the Essential Knowledge for Addressing the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in the U.S. Series, created for those that work with foster youth or children in any capacity.
- Review the resources, tools, and action items in The Foster Care Awareness Month Action Kit from The AFRJ® Student Council.
- Share this blog post to help raise awareness about the critical need for child advocates.
Together, we can ensure every child in foster care has the advocate they need and deserve – this month and every month.