Training available to prepare for new guardian ad litem requirements
The comprehensive 12-hour program is designed to comply with the training requirements of the guardian ad litem guidelines recently adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court.
court appointed special advocate
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Senate Bill 180 reignites conversation about direct representation for CHINS, TPR proceedings
Indiana is one of just six states that does not require counsel for children in child welfare cases in any situation, according to the National Association of Counsel for Children. Although Indiana Code § 31-32-4-2 does give state court judges the discretion to appoint counsel for children in child welfare cases, stakeholders say the Hoosier State could be forced to implement a direct representation program either through lawsuits filed by national children’s rights organization or federal legislation that Congress is considering.
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Kids’ Voice, Child Advocates finding ways forward after shift of GAL/CASA contract
The fallout is continuing from Indianapolis’ decision to switch providers of CASA and guardian ad litem services.
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Articles
CASA Day celebrates volunteers at Statehouse
Court-appointed special advocates directors and volunteers from across the state traveled to the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday to celebrate the second CASA Day since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Child Advocates CEO Booth to retire
Cindy Booth, the longtime leader of Child Advocates Inc., will retire next year after 30 years with the nonprofit.
CASA Day celebrates advocates, calls for more volunteers
A sea of blue filled the second-floor atrium of the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday afternoon as court-appointed special advocates gathered for their CASA Day celebration.
CASA day returns to the Statehouse next month
The annual celebration of and advocacy for court appointed special advocates at the Indiana Statehouse is scheduled for next month.
Kids’ Voice receives state GAL/CASA certification
Kids’ Voice has met the requirements and has been certified as a GAL/CASA service provider by the state, allowing the city of Indianapolis to be partially reimbursed for the nearly three-year $5.4 million contract it awarded the nonprofit in May.
Merger of GAL, CASA programs puts more eyes on kids
What began as a conversation 18 months ago culminated in May with the merger of the guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocates programs in Allen County, bringing together attorneys and volunteers to serve the abused and neglected children who are involved with the court system.
Kids’ Voice formalizes $5.4 million CASA/GAL contract with Indianapolis
Kids’ Voice of Indiana has signed a contract with the city of Indianapolis to provide guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate services to Marion Superior Courts through the end of 2023, with the nonprofit set to receive $5.4 million for the remainder of 2021.
Talks end, Kids’ Voice to take over GAL/CASA program
Like a couple deciding not to marry, Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates were unable to work out a prenuptial agreement after weeks of negotiations and are now focused on who will take care of the children.
Kids’ Voice taking over GAL/CASA services after Child Advocates walks
Kids’ Voice of Indiana will be the sole operator of the guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate programs for Marion County juvenile courts after Child Advocates, which had provided those services for decades, rejected the subcontract agreement the two organizations had been negotiating.
Kids’ Voice hopes to finalize contract with Child Advocates this week
Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates are close to inking a deal after the city of Indianapolis announced it would be switching providers of the Guardian Ad Litem and CASA services for the Marion County juvenile court May 1.
GAL/CASA provider change causes anger, confusion
Two Indianapolis nonprofits that serve youngsters in the child welfare system, Child Advocates and Kids’ Voice of Indiana, have been at the center of an argument that many families have had: Who can better care for the youngest members?
Kids’ Voice, Child Advocates in contract talks after report cited cost overruns
With just three weeks before its contract with the city of Indianapolis ends, Child Advocates is trying to negotiate a subcontract with Kids’ Voice so it can continue providing volunteers and staff to advocate for youngsters in Indiana’s child welfare system. Meanwhile, a report questioned longtime contractor Child Advocates’ cost overruns.
Child Advocates worried for young clients after losing Marion County CASA contract
Child Advocates is asking the city of Indianapolis to delay plans to switch CASA providers until the end of year, citing questions about the transition, the ability of Kids’ Voice to handle the work and concerns over the risk to children.
Marion County switches CASA contract from Child Advocates to Kids’ Voice
Kids’ Voice of Indiana, a nonprofit serving children and families, will take over the training and operation of the court-appointed special advocate program in Marion County courts May 1 after the city of Indianapolis switched the contract for the services from Child Advocates.
Justices amend public access rules to seal sensitive records
The Indiana Supreme Court has approved amendments to the state’s public access rules to protect certain sensitive records from public view.
3 magistrates named as finalists for Lake Superior Court vacancy
The Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission has named three magistrate judges as finalists to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Lake County Superior Court bench.
COA affirms termination of mother’s parental rights
A Delaware County mother could not convince the Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday that a trial court erred in terminating her parental rights to her minor child with special needs. The appellate court found the termination was in the child’s best interest.
Supreme Court permits cameras in court year-round for adoption celebrations
Indiana families celebrating the adoption of a new child into their families will now be able to capture the moments of that union in court via camera, no matter what time of year it is.
CASAs share experiences, hopes for Hoosier kids at 30th anniversary celebration
Compassion. Persistence. Patience. These are shared qualities that Indiana’s court appointed special advocates have when working with thousands of Hoosier kids in the child welfare system each year. Indiana Lawyer spoke with a few of those advocates about their personal experiences as CASAs following a 30th anniversary celebration of the Indiana Office of GAL/CASA on March 4.