Imagine being a child caught in the child welfare system– taken from your home because it’s not safe, surrounded by strangers, and facing life-changing decisions made in court. Now imagine going through all of this without anyone in the room whose only job is to stand up for you.
Per state data, that’s the reality for 247 children in Minnesota who do not have a GAL.
Guardians ad Litem (GALs) are specially trained advocates who make sure children’s voices are heard. They meet regularly with the kids they serve, learn their stories, and share critical information and recommendations with judges. Their goal? To guide decisions that put each child’s safety and well-being first.
For years, Minnesota relied on both paid and volunteer GALs. But in 2020, the volunteer program was paused by the Program Administrator. The result was a steep drop in the number of advocates available. Hiring freezes made the shortage even worse. Misguided efforts to permanently end the volunteer program failed, but the damage had been done– and right now, hundreds of children have no one speaking on their behalf in court.
The good news: There’s a comeback in motion. In August 2024, volunteer recruitment resumed. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Minnesota, a Twin Cities nonprofit, is working hard to recruit, train, retain and support new volunteers, rebuild the program, and advocate for changes that will make the system stronger. Safe Passage is proud to stand alongside CASA and other partners in this effort.
All children– whatever their circumstances– deserve to have someone in their corner. Someone to listen. Someone to speak up. Someone to fight for their future.