Title: Supporting the designation of June 6, 2022, as "CASA/GAL Volunteers' Day".
Policy area: Families

Summary:
This resolution supports the designation of National CASA/GAL Volunteers Day to commend the work of court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1157 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1157

 Supporting the designation of June 6, 2022, as ``CASA/GAL Volunteers' 
                                 Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              June 7, 2022

 Ms. Porter (for herself, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Norton, Mrs. McBath, Mr. 
  Yarmuth, Ms. Bonamici, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. San Nicolas, Mr. Bacon, Mr. 
   Blumenauer, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Tony 
 Gonzales of Texas, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mrs. Watson Coleman, 
and Mr. Vargas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
                to the Committee on Education and Labor

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the designation of June 6, 2022, as ``CASA/GAL Volunteers' 
                                 Day''.

Whereas Court Appointed Special Advocate (referred to 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 the CASA/GAL Program provides best interest advocacy for children 
        reflected in guiding principles which recognize the importance of family 
        preservation and reunification, equity, diversity, inclusion, and 
        collaboration;
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 is 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 CASA/GAL Association for 
        Children: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National CASA/GAL 
        Volunteers' Day''; and
            (2) commends Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian 
        ad Litem volunteers for their dedication and hard work in 
        advocating for the best interest 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.
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