117 SRES 658 ATS: Designating June 6, 2022, as “CASA/GAL Volunteers’ Day”. U.S. Senate 2022-05-26 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III117th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 658IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 26, 2022Mr. 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 toRESOLUTIONDesignating 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; andWhereas 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the National CSA/GAL Association for Children: Now, therefore, be it

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.