What's the difference between CASA and GAL?

MamaKate

Dear Kangaroo,

There really isn't much of a difference. Different states use both terms for the same role. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate and GAL stands for Guardian ad Litem ("guardian at law").

Both terms can apply to either a specially trained volunteer or to an attorney. Both are appointed by the Court. Some states require CASA/GALs to be attorneys and others do not.

Both of CASAs and GALs are supposed to represent and protect the rights and best interests of minors (or other people such as the mentally disabled) to the Court, both are given limited investigative powers and are held under strict confidentiality rules. (One of their slogans is : " Be the voice of a child in Court"They have acess to DSS, Court, school, limited medical/therapy records and other evidence pertinant to the case. They are usually required to visit their client and to attend CPD/DSS meetings, etc.and they are allowed to interview family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. They are required to submit reports to the Court for consideration and make recommendations about what might be the best course of action for their client(s). They may be called as witnesses, may testify on behalf of their clients and may (or have their lawyer - volunteers are usually assisted by staff attorneys) subpoena witnesses and information to support their reports and recommendations.

Both programs are run under the National CASA Organization.
http://www.casanet.org/

ETA: Yes, unfortunately some state's laws are very lacking in requiring the CASA/GAL to do their jobs or be held accountable for their mistakes.

I was very close to all of my GAL clients and am still in touch with many of them years later.

Looney Tunes

In my state a CASA is a volunteer that is NOT a lawyer and the GAL is a lawyer. But, both look out for the best interests of the child.
Sometimes in this case, the GAL is also called the "Child's Attorney."

In some states, CASA and GAL mean the same thing and neither has to be a lawyer. They look out for the best interest of the child.

SJM

A GAL is a guardian ad litem, or guardian for the litigation. In my district, a GAL is always a lawyer. Some judges do not even require that the GAL's ever meet the children.

As a CASA, I knew the child(ren) very well. I was very involved in their case.

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