Garcia Wilburn study request on child advocacy approved for 2026 interim

Earlier this month, the Indiana General Assembly's Legislative Council assigned 2026 interim study committee topics. Interim study committees are an opportunity for legislators to research and discuss issues impacting Hoosiers ahead of the next legislative session.

In addition to statute-required topics, lawmakers can submit requests for study. Out of 52 lawmaker-submitted topics this year, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers)'s request to study the role of Indiana's guardian ad litem (GAL) and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in our court system was approved. The approved study will include an analysis of how GAL/CASA programs can become more equitably funded, implemented and managed.

GAL/CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who are involved in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases in court. They visit the child, get to know them, and ascertain what kind of services they may need. The GAL/CASA program is a legal party to a case. While an individual volunteer cannot give legal advice, the program often works with attorneys to represent the child's best interests as needed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement celebrating the news:

"GALs and CASAs are critically important to our child welfare system and ensure that our courts consider the best options for kids going through the unimaginable. As volunteers, they spoke for 18,478 children in cases during 2023 – an immeasurable contribution to these children's lives and to our state's welfare. I wanted the state legislature to take a closer look at what legislative needs the GAL/CASA systems in our counties have so that they can continue serving our young people sustainably and expand their reach even more. I'm grateful that the Legislative Council agreed this is a topic worthy of study and look forward to the good work we are going to do with the legal advocacy community this legislative interim."