What is CASA?
CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate, and was coined by a Seattle Judge David Soukup in 1976. Trained volunteers are appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in Juvenile, Circuit and Chancery Courts. Most of the children are victims of abuse and/or neglect.

What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer provides a judge with a carefully researched background investigation of the child and his circumstances to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. Each home placement case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer must determine if it is in the child's best interest to stay with his parents or guardians, be placed in foster care or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA volunteer then monitors the case until permanently resolved.

How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?
In order to make a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, the parents, other family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child - school, medical, caseworker reports, and other documents.

Do attorneys, judges and social caseworkers support CASA?
Yes. Juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint the volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators.

How many CASA programs are there?
Since it's creation in 1977, CASA has had a dramatic impact on the nation's court system. There are over 900 CASA programs in all 50 states.

How effective have CASA programs been?
Preliminary findings show that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time within the foster care system than those without CASA representation. Judges have observed that CASA children also have a better chance of finding permanent homes.

How can I help CASA?
You can help by volunteering or by making a donation.