CASA/GAL

Role in the System

CASAs and GALs are appointed by the court to represent what is called “the best interest of the child.” They are given authority to provide testimony, submit reports, and influence judicial decisions. Despite their significant impact, CASAs are volunteers with minimal formal training, while GALs are often attorneys appointed by the court. Both roles frequently align with the agency rather than with the family’s perspective.

Core Functions

Meet with the child and occasionally with foster or biological parents.

Submit reports to the court outlining their recommendations.

Testify in hearings as though providing expert perspective.

Influence judicial decisions on placement, visitation, and permanency timelines.

Education

CASA: Volunteers receive limited training (often 30–40 hours) and are not required to hold a professional degree.

GAL: Usually licensed attorneys, though their experience in child welfare law varies widely.

Average Salary

CASA Unpaid volunteer.

GAL: Paid through court-appointed contracts, with earnings ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on caseloads and contracts.

Impact on Families

CASAs and GALs carry disproportionate influence in the courtroom. Judges often give weight to their recommendations, even when based on limited contact with the child or family. For families, this means decisions are frequently swayed by individuals who lack professional expertise or who operate with systemic bias toward agency narratives. Their reports are often treated as neutral, when in practice they mirror CPS positions.