DE SB188

Transfers the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program from the Family Court (Title 31, Chapter 36) to the Office of the Child Advocate under Title 29, Chapter 90A, effective 180 days after enactment.

Restructures child representation in Delaware family court to use attorneys appointed by the Court to represent children's best interests, with CASA volunteers working in conjunction with attorneys rather than as the sole representatives.

Establishes that attorneys and CASA volunteers together fulfill the role of guardian ad litem for purposes of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and clarifies that the Child Advocate serves as Executive Director of the Child Protection Accountability Commission.

Transfers existing CASA Program employees from the Family Court to the Office of the Child Advocate, allowing them to choose between Judicial Branch Personnel Rules or Merit System of Personnel Administration coverage.

Expands the Child Advocate's duties to develop and administer programs ensuring legal representation of children, including training CASA volunteers and establishing qualifications for program coordinators and directors.