This resolution supports the designation of National CASA/GAL Volunteers Day to commend the work of court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1157 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1157
Supporting the designation of June 6, 2022, as ``CASA/GAL Volunteers'
Day''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 7, 2022
Ms. Porter (for herself, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Norton, Mrs. McBath, Mr.
Yarmuth, Ms. Bonamici, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. San Nicolas, Mr. Bacon, Mr.
Blumenauer, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Tony
Gonzales of Texas, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mrs. Watson Coleman,
and Mr. Vargas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of June 6, 2022, as ``CASA/GAL Volunteers'
Day''.
Whereas Court Appointed Special Advocate (referred to 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 the CASA/GAL Program provides best interest advocacy for children
reflected in guiding principles which recognize the importance of family
preservation and reunification, equity, diversity, inclusion, and
collaboration;
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 is 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 CASA/GAL Association for
Children: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``National CASA/GAL
Volunteers' Day''; and
(2) commends Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian
ad Litem volunteers for their dedication and hard work in
advocating for the best interest 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.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
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