Mission, Vision, & Values

All of the work we do is on children’s behalf, driven by our mission and vision, and the values we hold in common.

OUR MISSION

The mission of CASA of Marathon County is to advocate for the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases by providing trained, screened volunteers who support them through the most challenging times in their lives.

Our Values

✓ We value every child's right to a

safe and permanent home.

✓ We value child-centered advocacy,

service, and collaboration.

✓ We value honesty, integrity,

and compassion.

✓ We value accountability and commitment.

Our Vision

A world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.

JOIN US

Guardian ad Litem vs. CASA Volunteer

Roles, Authority & Responsibilities in Child Protective Proceedings

STATE OF WISCONSIN — CH. 48 & CH. 938 WI STATS.

WISCONSIN STATUTORY AUTHORITY

"Both roles serve the best interests of the child — but they carry very different legal weight. A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney appointed by the court under Wis. Stat. § 48.235. A CASA volunteer is a community advocate trained and supervised by a nonprofit program, operating under § 48.236. One holds legal authority; the other holdsmoral authority — and both matter."

Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

Attorney

Wis. Stat. § 48.235 — "Guardian of the Lawsuit"

A P P O I N T M E N T & C R E D E N T I A L S

✓ Licensed Wisconsin attorney required

✓ Appointed by court order, mandatory in Ch. 48 CHIPS cases

✓ Must complete GAL-specific CLE training

— Not a volunteer; compensated at court-set rate

R O L E & F U N C T I O N

✓ Independently investigates child's best interests

✓ Files motions, subpoenas records, calls witnesses

✓ Makes formal legal recommendations to the court

✓ May advocate contrary to child's expressed wishes if necessary— Does not

typically provide direct emotional support

C O U R T A C C E S S & A U T H O R I T Y

✓ Full party status — argues at hearings

✓ Access to all sealed case records by right

✓ Can appeal court decisions on child's behalf

CASA Volunteer

Community

Wis. Stat. § 48.236 — Court Appointed Special Advocate

A P P O I N T M E N T & C R E D E N T I A L S

✓ Trained community volunteer — no law degree required

✓ Appointed by court order through a certified CASA program

✓ Minimum 30 hours of pre-service training (WI standards)

✓ Background checked; supervised by CASA program staff

R O L E & F U N C T I O N

✓ Builds ongoing, consistent relationship with the child

✓ Interviews child, family, teachers, caseworkers, and others

✓ Submits written Court Report with findings and recommendations

✓ Ensures child's voice is amplified in the courtroom

— Cannot file motions or subpoena records independently

C O U R T A C C E S S & A U T H O R I T Y

✓ Granted access to records by court order

✓ May attend all hearings and testify if called

— No independent legal standing — not a party to the case

— Cannot appeal; cannot compel agency action alone

The GAL is, in legal terms, an officer of the court — their recommendation carries significant weight with the judge, though it is not binding.

A CASA is often the one consistent adult in a child's life throughout a case — their report carries genuine persuasive weight with judges, even without legal authority.

Side by side comparison

FACTOR

GAL

CASA

Must be a licensed attorney ✓ Yes x No

Appointed by court order ✓ Yes ✓ Yes

Compensated for services ✓ Yes x Volunteer

Can file motions with the court ✓ Yes x No

Submits written report to court ✓ Yes ✓ Yes

Attends court hearings ✓ Yes ✓ Yes

Access to sealed records Full By Court Order

Independent party status in case ✓ Yes x No

Builds direct relationship with child Varies Core Role

Provides ongoing mentorship/support Not Typical ✓ Yes

Represents child's best interests ✓ Yes ✓ Yes

Can serve on same case simultaneously ✓ Yes ✓ Yes - complementary

This information is for educational and advocacy purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Wis. Stat. §§ 48.235, 48.236 | National CASA/GAL Association Standards | Wisconsin CASA Association When in doubt, consult a Wisconsin attorney or your county's CASA program director.

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