What is a CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocate

A CASA is an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. CASA volunteers give a voice to children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. They serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court and speak up on behalf of the child’s best interests. Advocates help to secure a safe, nurturing, and permanent home for each child as quickly as possible.​​

Dependency Court Judges appoint CASA volunteers with the primary responsibilities being:​

  • Gather information: Review documents and records and interview the children, family members, and professionals in the children’s lives. 

  • Document findings: Provide written reports at court hearings. 

  • Appear in court: Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when necessary. 

  • Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings. 

  • “Be the glue”: Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children’s lives. As one volunteer said: “Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.” 

  • Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc., to the appropriate professionals. 

  • Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held. 

  • Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. Ensure that appropriate motions are filed on behalf of the child so the court knows about any changes in the child’s situation.​

You don’t need to have legal experience to become a CASA. You will be able to rely on your training, CASA staff members, and fellow Advocates to help you become familiar with your roles and responsibilities. You will be trained to know specifically how you can help and when to recommend a professional. If you are detail-oriented and have the ability to see how coordinated efforts work together for one goal, you may just be a foster child’s dream come true – that is, his or her ticket to a safe, permanent, loving home.

WHAT DOES A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE DO?

Advocates generally visit weekly with the child/youth. For children ages birth to three, the visits will occur together with the caregiver as well as in the home. For children and youth ages 3-17, visits will be arranged with the caregiver and could include outings in the community.  For young adults 18-21, Advocates serve as mentors to assist in the transition to independent living.

When the Court appoints a CASA volunteer to work with a child, these weekly visits are just the beginning. The primary role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate is to:

  • Learn the needs of the child by reading the child’s welfare file, connecting with teachers, foster parents, social workers, doctors, mental health professionals, relatives, parents, attorneys– everyone involved in the child’s life throughout the case.

  • Engage with the child during visits

  • Recommend social services and community resources to meet the needs of the child.

  • Advocate for the child’s needs to be met promptly and thoroughly. Write thorough, accurate court reports.

  • Collaborate to ensure team members follow though on meeting the child’s needs.

  • Be a trusted support for the child. In the sea of ever-changing faces, the CASA volunteer is the one person the child knows will keep coming back – each and every week. 

No other volunteer program combines regular mentoring and preventive services with the comprehensive advocacy that influences decisions directly affecting the child’s future.