Foster Care Stories: The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem and How it Impacts Children in Foster Care

Two friends pull back the curtain on what a Guardian ad Litem does, why the role matters, and how one steady volunteer can change a child’s case. Andrea shares training, time commitment, school advocacy wins, and the power of speaking for the child alone. • what a guardian ad litem or CASA is and does • training, background checks, and virtual court workflow • time commitment of 12 to 15 hours per month • how to investigate when stories conflict • advocating for reunification visits with safety in view • teaming with attorneys and case advocate managers • securing IEPs and school services through trust and persistence • being the most consistent adult through placements and turnover • better outcomes with a GAL: stability, graduation, fewer referrals • how to volunteer and where to get started We know that foster care and adoption present unique challenges for your marriage, so we created this Same Page Checklist as a conversation starter for you and your spouse. You can download it for free on our website at https://www.havenretreatsinc.org/couples-free-resources-1. Enjoy! Follow us on Instagram: Haven Retreats- https://www.instagram.com/haven.retreats/?hl=en Behind the Curtain Podcast- https://www.instagram.com/behind.the.curtain_pod/