III 

117TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 658 

Designating June 6, 2022, as ‘‘CASA/GAL Volunteers’ Day’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 26, 2022 

Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. LANKFORD, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. 

BRAUN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. BOOKER, Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. GRASSLEY) 

submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Designating June 6, 2022, as ‘‘CASA/GAL Volunteers’ 

Day’’. 

Whereas Court Appointed Special Advocate (referred to in 

this preamble as ‘‘CASA’’) and Guardian ad Litem (referred to in this preamble as ‘‘GAL’’) volunteers advocate 

nationwide for the best interests of children before courts 

in cases with allegations of abuse or neglect; 

Whereas CASA and GAL volunteers advocate for the best interests of children by relying on guiding principles that 

recognize the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, 

collaboration, and family preservation and reunification; 

Whereas more than 216,000 children in the United States 

enter the foster care system, through no fault of their 

own, due to allegations of abuse or neglect and rely on 

adults to advocate on their behalf; 


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•SRES 658 ATS 

Whereas CASA and GAL volunteers, appointed by a judge— 

(1) provide the court with the comprehensive and objective information the court needs to make the most 

well-informed decisions and help ensure positive outcomes 

for children, youth, and families; and 

(2) take time to build meaningful and authentic relationships with such children, youth, and families; 

Whereas research shows that when a CASA or GAL volunteer is assigned to a case, outcomes are strengthened for 

children and families, a higher number of services are ordered, and children are significantly less likely to reenter 

the child welfare system, perform better academically and 

behaviorally, and have higher levels of hope; 

Whereas, in January 1974, Congress enacted the Child Abuse 

Prevention Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.); 

Whereas the Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act provides 

financial assistance to States for the prevention and 

treatment of child abuse and neglect and includes a requirement that in every case a GAL must be appointed 

to represent the best interest of the child; 

Whereas such GAL requirement was subsequently amended 

to provide that the GAL may be an attorney or a courtappointed special advocate; 

Whereas, today, CASA and GAL volunteers span 49 States 

and the District of Columbia, including 950 State organizations and local programs, and more than 94,000 volunteers offer their services to nearly 250,000 children, 

youth, and families; and 

Whereas 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the National 

CSA/GAL Association for Children: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 


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•SRES 658 ATS 

1 (1) designates June 6, 2022, as ‘‘National 

2 CASA/GAL Volunteers’ Day’’; and 

3 (2) commends CASA and GAL volunteers for 

4 their dedication and hard work in advocating for the 

5 best interests of children so that every child who has 

6 experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a per7 manent home, and have the opportunity to thrive. 

Æ 


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