What is a CASA?

A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for a child's best interests in court cases involving abuse or neglect. They focus on cases where children may be removed from their homes and placed in foster care. CASAs work with legal professionals, child welfare workers, and other stakeholders to ensure the child's voice is heard and that the court has all the information it needs to make informed decisions about the child's safety and well-being.

An Effective CASA...

• views abuse and neglect as community issues that need community support

• believes every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home

• is emotionally stable and can work with distressing situations

• can maintain confidentiality

• aspires to be non-judgmental and open to differences

• can stay organized and work independently

• has availability to attend court hearings and other meetings pertinent to the case