WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
joined Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) on a
resolution recognizing specially trained volunteers who advocate in courtrooms
and other settings on behalf of survivors of child abuse, neglect and
abandonment. The bipartisan resolution, which passed the Senate at the end of
May, honors Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
volunteers for their life-changing work with children experiencing abuse or
neglect and designates June 6 as CASA/GAL Volunteers Day.
“Volunteers who work tirelessly to
support children in need deserve our gratitude. They play a critical role in
guiding young people through challenging moments and have a lasting positive
impact on their lives. Our resolution is one small way we can thank volunteers
for giving their time and attention to advocate for vulnerable children,” Grassley said.
CASA and GAL operate in 49 states and the
District of Columbia. Their network includes 950 state and local programs,
including 12 in Iowa, which support more than 93,000 volunteers and 242,000
children.
Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jacky
Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Braun (R-Ind.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Cory Booker
(D-N.J.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are also cosponsors of the resolution.
Grassley is a
leading advocate for children in foster care and in need of support. He is the
co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth and has played a
key role in passing legislation like the Family
First Prevention Services Act, which provided more resources for keeping
families together and supporting kids at risk of entering child welfare.
Information regarding child advocate
volunteer opportunities can be found by visiting the
Iowa
Child Advocacy Board’s website.
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