What training do GALs receive?
Staff and contract GALs must certify to the court that they have been trained by OPA before beginning work on a case. OPA and the CASA program host a bi-annual conference for GALs, CASAs, and the general public, in addition to co-sponsoring the Alaska Child Maltreatment Conference. New GALs must, at a minimum, complete an independent study GAL training manual or training class as part of the certification process. The Child Maltreatment Conference is held in years when there is not a CASA/GAL Conference. Staff and contract GALs are required to attend continuing education programs each year. Regional offices may arrange additional trainings for their staff during the year.
