Mission: Child Advocates champions children and families in Marion County and throughout Indiana by advocating for justice, seeking access to opportunity, and fostering well-being for children.

Values: We are caring, compassionate, and committed advocates dedicated to creating a brighter future for every child. We stand up for children’s rights and help build them a future where they can thrive.

We have served more than 100,000 vulnerable children in more than 40 years of work as child advocates. We fulfill our mission through these key programs:

• Legal Services – serving Indiana children who were placed in the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect in their home
• Educational Liaison Program – serving Indiana children and youth who are facing challenges to their success in school 

History/Timeline

For 39 years, Child Advocates was also an award-winning CASA (court-appointed special advocate) for Marion County, serving as the voice for thousands of children who are abused and/or neglected each year. In child abuse cases in Indianapolis, both the parents and the State of Indiana are represented by legal counsel. There was a time when the children had no one to represent them. That changed in 1982 with the creation of Child Advocates.

Child Advocates, formerly known as the Guardian Ad Litem Project, was founded by the Indianapolis Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) in 1982 because NCJW and the courts recognized the need for abused and neglected children to have independent representation. In 1988, NCJW turned over the Guardian Ad Litem Project through assistance from the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society. In 1992 the project was incorporated as Child Advocates, Inc., and became a stand-alone agency.

Since its inception, Child Advocates has represented the best interests and the rights of thousands of children in Marion County, and today, across Indiana. Over the years, we have expanded our services to help address other life traumas and challenges facing vulnerable children in the child welfare system, in schools, and in communities across Indiana. We are dedicated to identifying and meeting their needs, helping them overcome obstacles, and opening doors to success and opportunity so that every child feels seen, heard, and loved.

Community Partners

We are grateful for all of our Corporate Sponsors and Program Partners. Our work would not be possible without you.

If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or would like to receive more information, please contact us or call 317-205-3055.