Children: services; court-appointed special advocate program; create. Creates new act.

This bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.