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[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 658 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

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;
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 court-appointed 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
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates June 6, 2022, as ``National CASA/GAL 
        Volunteers' Day''; and
            (2) commends CASA and GAL volunteers for their dedication 
        and hard work in advocating for the best interests of children 
        so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be 
        safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to 
        thrive.
                                 <all>
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