Last year we described the state Guardian ad Litem (GAL) agency’s policy to kill the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program through attrition. CASA is the 40-year old volunteer GAL corps.
Since then the Guardian ad Litem Board declined to take action and delegated this decision to management.
While this debate played out, CASA volunteers dropped from 260 to 50.
State staff present this as a cost-saving measure, but 49 other states manage CASA volunteers cost-effectively. Why can’t Minnesota?
This week CASA’s Executive Director asked the House Judiciary Committee to add supervisors who would manage CASA volunteers to the agency’s budget. This would effectively reverse the death-through-attrition policy. Representative Peggy Scott amended the budget to ensure consideration for this proposal.
We support CASA’s efforts and will ask your help in advocating for the program with legislators as the process continues.
Listen to our earlier podcast describing the CASA program and challenges here.
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After 20+ years as a foster carer, I had continual GAL issues. My only CASA volunteer 23 years ago was helpful. The GAL program is rife with problems and a waste of resources. Child protection is not about protecting children.