Comprehensive reference for Alabama GAL volunteers: program structure, dependency statutes, court procedures, Montgomery County local resources, and ICWA guidance for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and other tribal members in Alabama.
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program in Alabama trains and supervises community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the state's juvenile court system. In Alabama, child protection cases are called dependency proceedings, governed by the Alabama Juvenile Justice Act (Ala. Code § 12-15-101 et seq.).
The primary child welfare agency is the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), specifically its Child Protective Services (CPS) division. When DHR determines a child has been abused, neglected, or is otherwise dependent and files a petition, the court appoints a GAL volunteer to represent the child's best interests independently of all other parties.
In Montgomery County, dependency cases are heard in the Montgomery County Juvenile Court in Montgomery — the state capital. Montgomery County DHR handles one of the highest dependency caseloads in Alabama.
Alabama's CASA/GAL program is coordinated through the Alabama CASA Network, which supports county-level programs statewide. Montgomery County CASA operates under Juvenile Court oversight and partners with DHR case workers, the DHR attorney (from the DHR legal unit), parents' attorneys, and children's attorneys throughout each case.
Primary child welfare agency in Montgomery County. Investigates child abuse and neglect reports, manages foster care placements, provides family support services, and files dependency petitions. Your DHR case worker is your primary agency partner on each case.
County CASA program. Recruits, trains, screens, and supervises GAL volunteers in Montgomery County. Your CASA supervisor is your direct point of contact for case guidance, legal questions, and support throughout the case.
DHR is represented by its own attorneys in dependency proceedings. In many Alabama cases, the court also appoints a separate attorney for the child. You are not aligned with the DHR attorney — your obligation is to the child's best interests, which may or may not align with DHR's position.
Dependency cases are heard at the Montgomery County Courthouse. The presiding juvenile judge oversees every case from the shelter hearing through closure.
Alabama dependency proceedings follow a structured statutory timeline under Ala. Code Title 12-15. After a child is removed from the home, a series of mandatory hearings follow. As GAL, you attend and participate in every stage.
DHR investigates reports of child abuse or neglect under Ala. Code § 26-14. If a child is in imminent danger, DHR may remove without prior court order. A dependency petition must be filed in Juvenile Court promptly after removal.
Held within 72 hours of removal (Ala. Code § 12-15-310). The court reviews the removal, sets appropriate placement, and establishes initial services and conditions. The GAL is typically appointed at or shortly after this hearing.
The court determines whether the child is "dependent" as defined by Ala. Code § 12-15-102 (Ala. Code § 12-15-311). Parents may admit or contest. If contested, evidence is presented. The GAL submits a report and recommendation to the court.
The court approves the DHR case plan and orders specific services. The permanent goal is established: reunification, adoption, guardianship, or APPLA. The GAL advocates for the plan that best serves the child's long-term interests.
Ala. Code § 12-15-315 requires review hearings at least every 6 months. The court evaluates case plan progress, service delivery, and the child's current circumstances. The GAL files an updated report before each review.
Required within 12 months of the original removal order under ASFA and Ala. Code § 12-15-317. The court determines the permanent plan. If reunification is not achievable, the court directs DHR to pursue adoption, guardianship, or another permanent arrangement.
When reunification is not in the child's best interests and grounds exist under Ala. Code § 26-18-7, DHR files a TPR petition. ASFA requires filing TPR after 15 of 22 months in foster care absent an exception. The GAL actively participates and advocates for the child's best outcome.
| Hearing | Timing | Purpose | GAL Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter Care | Within 72 hrs | Review removal; set placement & services | Appear; begin investigation |
| Adjudication | Within 30 days (in custody) | Determine dependency status | File report; recommend finding |
| Disposition | At or after adjudication | Approve case plan; order services | Advocate for plan & services |
| Review | Every 6 months | Monitor progress; adjust services | File updated report |
| Permanency | Within 12 months | Establish permanent plan | Advocate for best permanent outcome |
| TPR | As needed | Terminate parental rights | Participate; advocate for child |
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) is the only federally recognized tribe headquartered in Alabama. However, members of Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, and other tribes also reside throughout the state, including in Montgomery County. ICWA applies whenever a child is a member of or eligible for membership in any federally recognized tribe — regardless of where the child lives or whether the tribe is based in Alabama. Ask about tribal heritage at the very start of every case.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is a federally recognized tribe headquartered in Atmore, Alabama (Escambia County). As descendants of Creek Indians who remained in Alabama after the forced removal of the 1830s, PBCI members live throughout the state. When a child in a Montgomery County dependency case may be a PBCI member or eligible for enrollment, PBCI's Tribal Social Services department must receive ICWA notice and has the right to intervene.
Only federally recognized tribe headquartered in Alabama. Primary ICWA contact for PBCI members in dependency proceedings statewide, including Montgomery County cases.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nashville, TN. Handles ICWA notice compliance and tribal affiliation inquiries for Alabama cases, particularly when the tribe is unclear or unknown.
Before each hearing, prepare and submit a written GAL report. Lead with your recommendation. Your report should cover:
Montgomery County Juvenile Court typically expects GAL reports submitted at least 3 business days before the scheduled hearing. Check with your CASA supervisor for the current filing deadline and any court-required formatting templates.
Child advocacy center serving Montgomery County. Forensic interviews, medical examinations, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) response for child abuse cases. Primary CAC for child maltreatment cases in the area.
Pediatric health services and developmental evaluations for children in Montgomery County. Specialty referrals and telehealth available for foster children needing specialized medical care.
Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and support services for domestic violence survivors and their children in Montgomery County. Operates a 24-hour crisis line.
Statewide DV coalition. 24-hour hotline, shelter referrals, and service coordination across Alabama.
State child welfare agency. Child abuse/neglect hotline, foster care program, adoption services, and family support programs statewide.
Statewide CASA/GAL program coordinator. Training standards, technical support, and volunteer resources for Alabama CASA/GAL programs.
All children in DHR custody are automatically enrolled in Alabama Medicaid (ALL Kids / CMS). Covers medical, dental, behavioral health, and prescription services.
Statewide resource referral for health and human services. Available 24/7 by phone and online.
Federal clearinghouse on foster care, adoption, and child welfare law.
Training resources, advocacy materials, and best practices for CASA/GAL volunteers nationwide.
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral for substance use disorders. English and Spanish.
Community mental health center serving Montgomery County. Outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, crisis stabilization, and substance use treatment for adults and children. A key provider for DHR-referred families.
Therapeutic foster care, independent living services, and in-home family support for youth with significant behavioral health needs. Serves DHR-involved youth in Montgomery County.
Premier national resource on childhood trauma. Evidence-based tools for child welfare professionals and foster/adoptive caregivers.
24/7 mental health crisis line. Call or text 988 from anywhere in Alabama.
Substance use disorder is a significant factor in many Montgomery County dependency cases. As GAL, you may be monitoring whether a parent is making progress in court-ordered substance abuse treatment.
Residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment. One of Alabama's largest SUD treatment networks. Serves adults, including parents involved in DHR dependency proceedings.
Find substance use disorder treatment providers anywhere in Alabama, including Medicaid-accepting facilities.
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services for homeless individuals and families in Montgomery County.
Emergency financial assistance for utilities, rent, and basic needs for low-income Montgomery County families.
Under ESSA, every district must designate a foster care point of contact (FCPOC). Contact MCPS for immediate enrollment, school of origin transportation, and credit transfer support for children in foster care.
Education support for current and former foster youth at Alabama public colleges and universities. Includes tuition assistance, priority enrollment, and campus support services for youth who aged out of or were adopted from foster care.
Free civil legal services for low-income Alabamians statewide. Covers housing, public benefits, domestic violence, and family law matters affecting DHR-involved families in Montgomery County.
Coordinates pro bono legal services for low-income Alabamians through the state bar. Referrals to volunteer attorneys for civil matters.
For youth ages 14+ in DHR custody: life skills training, education support, employment assistance, housing, and transition planning for youth aging out of foster care.
Available to children and youth experiencing abuse or wanting to report concerns. Crisis counselors available 24/7.
24/7 crisis line for runaway, homeless, or at-risk youth. Help connecting with local shelter and services.
When an ICWA-covered child is involved in your case, contact the relevant tribe's social services or ICWA department as early as possible. Tribal social workers are often able to identify extended family and culturally appropriate placements that DHR may not know about.
Only federally recognized tribe headquartered in Alabama. ICWA contact for PBCI members statewide, including Montgomery County proceedings.
Large enrollment base with members throughout Alabama.
Significant member population in Alabama. ICWA social services and tribal placement referrals.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nashville, TN. ICWA notice compliance and tribal affiliation inquiries for Alabama cases.
Children in Alabama's dependency proceedings have typically experienced significant trauma. A trauma-informed approach will help you build trust and advocate more effectively.
Alabama CASA policy requires GAL volunteers to visit the assigned child at least once per month. Visits must be in person, in the placement setting, and include private time with the child (without the foster parent or DHR worker). Document every visit in your contact log.
This is a general guide. Your CASA supervisor may have a specific format required by Montgomery County Juvenile Court. Always use the court-approved format if provided, and submit at least 3 business days before the hearing.
Date: _______________
Child(ren): _______________ | Case No.: _______________
Hearing Type: _______________
GAL Name: _______________ | Supervisor: _______________
I. GAL RECOMMENDATION
Lead with your specific recommendation. Example: "The GAL respectfully recommends that the Court continue the goal of reunification and order DHR to provide in-home parenting support services within 30 days."
_______________________________________________
II. CONTACTS SINCE LAST HEARING
III. CHILD'S CURRENT STATUS
IV. CASE PLAN COMPLIANCE
V. UNMET NEEDS / CONCERNS
List any unaddressed needs. Request specific court action if needed.
VI. ICWA STATUS (if applicable)
_______________
GAL Signature | Date