AL SB296

Juvenile courts may appoint unpaid volunteer advocates (similar to CASA volunteers) in dependency and termination-of-parental-rights cases to promote children's best interests and safety

Volunteer advocates must complete screening, pre-service training, and take an oath; duties include visiting the child at least every 30 days, preparing court reports, attending hearings, and maintaining confidentiality

Volunteer advocates are prohibited from performing Department of Human Resources or guardian ad litem duties such as investigating abuse allegations, transporting children, giving legal advice, or providing therapeutic counseling

A state 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity is designated to support local volunteer advocate programs, develop minimum standards for ethical conduct, governance, and volunteer management, and create training curricula

Local volunteer advocate programs must operate as nonprofits, have an executive director, enter membership agreements with the state entity, and handle recruitment, screening, training, and supervision of volunteers; effective date is June 1, 2026