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58 people are interested
CASA/GAL Volunteer Advocate for Kids
ORGANIZATION: Kids' Voice of Indiana
Please visit the new page to apply.
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58 people are interested
Little Voices Need BIG Amplifiers.
Kids' Voice Volunteer Advocates can make a pivotal difference in the trajectory of a vulnerable child’s life. Our volunteers receive thorough training, guidance, and ongoing support from Kids’ Voice staff. Our volunteer opportunities include, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Guardian ad Litems (GAL), and Educational Liaisons (EL). All of our volunteers are matched with a child or sibling group, gather information about the child and their circumstances, and report on that information to the court. Judges rely on the independent, unbiased, and common-sense perspective of our volunteers to make informed decisions about the child's best interests and future.
- CASA Volunteer Advocates (Court Appointed Special Advocates) amplify the voices of abused, neglected, and vulnerable children who have been designated by the Department of Child Services (DCS) as Children in Need of Services (CHINS). AS a CASA, you get to know the child, advocate for their needs, and represent their best interests in court.
- GAL Volunteer Advocates (Guardians ad Litem) amplify the voices of children involved in custody cases, which include especially contentious paternity, divorce, guardianship, and adoption cases in Marion County. As a GAL, you will conduct home visits, investigate the children’s situations, interview family members and other service providers, and write a report with recommendations for the court. You may also appear in court and testify on the children’s behalf.
- EL Volunteer Advocates (Educational Liaison) work to improve educational outcomes for children who need additional social, emotional, and educational support to succeed in school due to trauma and
other life challenges. Each Kids' Voice GAL/CASA team includes an EL to support the academic success of the children we serve. An EL might be recommended for a child if the school is considering suspension or expulsion, testing for special education services, or the school is not meeting the child's educational needs. The EL develops collaborative relationships with the student, family, school, and providers.
More opportunities with Kids' Voice of Indiana
1 ReviewNo additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Kids' Voice of Indiana
Location:
615 N. Alabama St., Ste. 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, US
Mission Statement
At Kids’ Voice of Indiana, our mission is to serve Indiana’s children and families by providing legal education, child advocacy, and family visitation through our programs. We amplify the voice of children and youth in the legal system to improve individual outcomes and inspire system wide advances.
Description
For over 35 years, Kids’ Voice has been a strong advocate for vulnerable children involved in the legal system, providing them with legal representation, support, and ensuring their best interests are heard. Our mission centers on creating a child-focused legal system that safeguards their well-being, prevents abuse and neglect, and promotes family preservation. We use a multi-faceted approach, which includes diligent advocacy of children’s best interests in court supported by volunteers, updated legal information and education for attorneys, providing child service professionals for the community, and providing a safe place for children and parents to spend time together.
- In 1983, we authored an invaluable resource, the Indiana CHINS & Family Law Deskbook, for Indiana judges, attorneys and other professionals working in the child welfare field. The Deskbook continues to be published every two years and is relied on by many professionals.
- In 1985, Kids' Voice of Indiana was formed as a non-profit.
- In 1993, the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program for kids was established.
- In 1997, the Safe Child Parenting Time (SCPT) program was established.
- In 2009, Kids’ Voice became a United Way agency.
- In 2021, the City of Indianapolis awarded Kids' Voice the contract to be the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program for Marion County, IN.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
615 Alabama StreetSte. 200Indianapolis, IN 46204
DATE POSTED
September 11, 2024
SKILLS
- Critical Thinking
- People Skills
- Problem Solving
- Child Advocacy
- Verbal / Written Communication
- Child Welfare
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- Volunteers will be assigned one case which may include 1 child or a sibling group. Volunteers typically spend 6-8 hours per month on their case. Volunteers stay with the case until it is successfully closed, which is typically 12-18 months.
- A Child Protective Services background check will be conducted. Employees of any agency holding a DCS contract are not eligible to volunteer with us.