Serving a two-year term, Ada Hernandez-Bell, along with child welfare leaders from across the nation, will play an integral role in voicing the unique needs of 948 local programs that make up the CASA and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) network. In 2019, the CASA/GAL network, with its 96,929 volunteers, served more than 270,000 children who have experienced abuse and neglect. With more than 400,000 children in foster care on any given day, the leadership council will focus its efforts on ensuring that the network achieves its mission of serving all children through best-interest advocacy.
The Leadership Councils are a vital part of our efforts to serve more children in the foster care system, while continually improving their outcomes,” said National CASA/GAL Chief Executive Officer Tara Lisa Perry. “We are so excited and grateful to have Ada providing her insight and expertise as we strive to move our mission forward on behalf of all children who have experienced abuse or neglect.”
Ada Hernandez-Bell has over 14 years of experience working in the child welfare system in Knox County. Ada’s expertise ranges from developmental needs assessments, family and child systems, trauma informed care, co-parenting mediation, and domestic violence education. Ada brings a wealth of knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services protocol, policies, and procedures and excellence in foster care training standards. Throughout her career Ada has focused on the systemic and often generational impact of trauma incorporating a whole-family approach to assessment and planning for success individually focused on each family’s personal history, dynamics, and needs.
“I am so honored to be appointed to this important national role,” said Ada. “As a member of the Knoxville community, I’m looking forward to bringing our successes and challenges to a network that help us get better as we improve our work across the nation.”
About the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children
The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, together with its 948 state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. CASA/GAL volunteers and staff work every day to help change a child’s story. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org or follow National CASA/GAL on Facebook at facebook.com/NationalCASAGAL and @NationalCASAGAL on Twitter and Instagram.