MI HB5429

Establishes the court-appointed special advocate (CASA) program, allowing Michigan courts to create programs that screen, train, and supervise volunteer advocates for children under court jurisdiction.

Requires CASA volunteers to be at least 21 years old, pass comprehensive background checks (including criminal history, FBI database, offender registry, and child abuse registry checks) before assignment and every 2 years thereafter, and commit to cases until permanency is established for the child.

Mandates volunteers complete National CASA/GAL Association standards training, participate in at least 12 hours of annual in-service training, conduct independent investigations, make recommendations to the court regarding placement and services, and attend all relevant hearings and meetings.

Prohibits volunteers from accepting compensation, having conflicts of interest, being related to parties or attorneys in the case, holding conflicting employment, or using the position for gifts or special privileges.

Grants CASA volunteers access to court documents and records, immunity from civil liability under the volunteer protection act, and requires them to maintain confidentiality of case information except when disclosing to the court, parties, or court-authorized persons.