Richland County CASA

Description

Richland County CASA, formerly the Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Project, recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who act as Guardians for the purpose of litigation, and provides the necessary legal representation. The children we serve are alleged victims of physical, mental, or sexual abuse, physical or medical neglect, and abandonment, and always have involvement with the Department of Social Services. Our volunteers (GAL's) are trained advocates who have the specific responsibility of looking after that child's best interest throughout the judicial process. GAL's tell the story from the child's point of view by conducting an indepedent investigation of the facts and reporting their findings to the court. Richland County CASA is the only one in the state accepting every case with court involvement. In 2000, RC CASA represented 1,879 children involved in 1,620 family court hearings of abuse and neglect. Richland County CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association.