Juvenile courts; appointment of duties and limitations of volunteer advocates in certain cases provided, state entity supporting local programs established, responsibilities of local programs provided

SB 296 clarifies the role of unpaid volunteer advocates in Alabama juvenile court cases involving child dependency (abuse/neglect) or termination of parental rights. The bill defines specific duties for advocates, such as maintaining confidentiality, reporting abuse, and gathering information to support the child's best interests, while prohibiting them from conducting investigations, making placement decisions, or providing legal/therapeutic services. It requires the Alabama CASA Network (the state nonprofit supporting local programs) to develop training standards and minimum program requirements. Additionally, juvenile courts may grant advocates access to case records and hearing notices to help them effectively advocate for children, without overriding existing legal or child welfare roles.