What types of children do CASA/GAL volunteers work with?
CASA/GAL volunteers are primarily appointed to cases involving child abuse, neglect or dependency. Dependency cases arise when a child is without adequate parental care, through no fault of the child’s parents, guardian or custodian. For example, an orphan would be considered dependent. The statutory definition of dependency varies greatly from its practical application. Oftentimes children are labeled dependent because of circumstances surrounding abuse or neglect which makes the child’s home no longer safe for the child.
