Our Mission

Mission: Child Advocates champions children and families throughout Indiana by advocating for access to justice and equity and fostering well-being for children.

Values: We are caring, compassionate, and committed advocates dedicated to building a brighter future for every child.

We offer vital programs and services for vulnerable children and youth in Indiana through a race equity lens. And we fulfill our mission through six key programs: Statewide Access Site for the state’s Child Mental Health Wraparound program; Direct Representation; Educational Liaisons; Legal Services; Mediation and Facilitation; and Interrupting Racism for Children. We have served more than 100,000 vulnerable Indiana children in more than 40 years of work as child advocates. We stand up for children’s rights and represent the voices of children and youth as we help build them a future where they can thrive.

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 Section 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. We have expanded our services to address other life traumas and challenges facing vulnerable children over the years. We are dedicated to addressing and meeting their needs and building a better future for every child.

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 at: development@childadvocates.net. Or, call 317-205-3055.