04/17/2026
If you have a heart for children and a desire to ensure their voices are heard in the legal system, becoming a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in Arkansas is a powerful way to serve. In Arkansas, the term is often used interchangeably with **Attorney Ad Litem** or **CASA Volunteer**, depending on the type of case.
Here is a breakdown of what they do and how you can step into this role.
# # What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
In Arkansas, a Guardian Ad Litem is a person appointed by a judge to represent the **"best interests of the child"** in legal proceedings. They aren’t there to represent what the parents want; they are there to be the child’s advocate during difficult transitions like:
* **Custody Battles:** When parents cannot agree on a schedule or living situation.
* **Dependency-Neglect Cases:** When a child has been removed from a home due to safety concerns.
* **Guardianship/Probate:** Cases involving the care of minors or incapacitated adults.
# # # Their Core Duties:
1. **Investigate:** Interview parents, teachers, and doctors, and visit the child’s home.
2. **Report:** Provide the judge with a clear, objective recommendation on what environment is best for the child.
3. **Advocate:** Ensure the child’s wishes are communicated to the court, even if those wishes differ from the GAL’s recommendation.
The Volunteer Path: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
You don’t need a law degree to make a difference. Arkansas relies heavily on **CASA volunteers**, who act as the "eyes and ears" of the court in foster care cases.
***Age:** Must be at least 21 years old.
***Background:** Must pass comprehensive criminal and child abuse registry background checks.
***Training:** Complete 30 hours of pre-service training (usually through the National CASA curriculum) and observe court proceedings.
***Commitment:** Typically, you must commit to a case until it is resolved (an average of 12–18 months) to provide the child with a consistent, stable presence.
# # Why It Matters
The legal system can be a scary place for a child. While attorneys represent the "sides," the Guardian Ad Litem or CASA volunteer represents the **human**. By becoming one, you ensure that no child gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork and adult conflict.
**Interested in volunteering?** You can find your local Arkansas program at Arkansas CASA.
Our mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who can serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care. Our volunteers will continue advocating for these children until they have reached safe and permanent homes. The vision for CASA of the 2nd Judicial District is to ch...
