[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2759-S2760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 658--DESIGNATING JUNE 6, 2022, AS ``CASA/GAL 
                           VOLUNTEERS' DAY''

  Mr. 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 to:

                              S. Res. 658

       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;

[[Page S2760]]

       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; and
       Whereas 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the National 
     CSA/GAL Association for Children: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, 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.

                          ____________________