What is a CASA Volunteer?

 

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child involved in the child welfare system. CASA volunteers work with children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in Children's Court due to concerns about their safety and well-being.

 

By serving as a consistent, caring adult in a child's life, CASA volunteers help ensure that each child's needs, circumstances, and best interests are clearly communicated to the court. Their goal is to help children achieve safe, permanent, and nurturing homes as quickly as possible.

 

What Is the Role of a CASA Volunteer?

 

CASA volunteers gather information about a child's situation and provide the court with objective, well-researched recommendations regarding the child's best interests. Every child and family is unique, and each case presents its own challenges and opportunities.

 

Through careful investigation and ongoing involvement, CASA volunteers help judges make informed decisions about issues such as placement, services, education, and permanency. They remain involved throughout the life of the case, advocating for the child's safety, well-being, and long-term stability until a permanent resolution is reached.

 

How Do CASA Volunteers Investigate a Case?

 

To develop informed recommendations, CASA volunteers spend time learning about every aspect of a child's life. They may interview and communicate with:

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• The child/children

• Foster parents or caregivers

• Social workers and case managers

• Teachers and school personnel

• Medical and mental health providers

• Attorneys and other professionals involved in the case

 

CASA volunteers also review relevant records, including educational, medical, and court documents. This comprehensive approach allows them to provide the court with a complete picture of the child's needs and circumstances.

 

How Are CASA Volunteers Different From Social Workers?

 

Social workers play a critical role in managing child welfare cases and connecting families with services. However, they often carry large caseloads and have many responsibilities.

 

CASA volunteers complement the work of social workers by focusing on a small number of cases—typically one or two at a time. This allows them to spend additional time gathering information, building relationships, and closely monitoring a child's progress.

 

Importantly, CASA volunteers are independent officers of the court. They do not replace social workers; rather, they provide an additional voice dedicated solely to advocating for the child's best interests.

 

How Are CASA Volunteers Different From Attorneys?

 

Attorneys provide legal representation and advocate for their clients within the courtroom. CASA volunteers do not serve as attorneys and do not provide legal advice or legal representation.

 

Instead, CASA volunteers offer valuable background information and recommendations that help the court better understand a child's circumstances. While attorneys may advocate for a child's wishes, CASA volunteers advocate for what they believe is in the child's best interests after conducting a thorough investigation.

 

Is There a Typical CASA Volunteer?

 

There is no "typical" CASA volunteer. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and represent a wide variety of professional, educational, cultural, and personal backgrounds.

 

Volunteers include teachers, retirees, military personnel, healthcare professionals, business owners, parents, college graduates, and community members who simply want to make a difference. What they share is a commitment to helping children and a willingness to advocate for those who need a voice.

 

How Do CASA Volunteers Advocate for Children?

 

CASA volunteers provide consistency, support, and advocacy during what can be a confusing and difficult time in a child's life. They help children understand the court process, explain the roles of the adults involved in their case, and ensure their needs are not overlooked.

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By building trusting relationships and maintaining regular contact, CASA volunteers help ensure that children's voices are heard and that their best interests remain at the center of every decision.

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How Many Cases Does a CASA Volunteer Carry?

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Most CASA volunteers are assigned only one or two cases at a time. This limited caseload allows volunteers to dedicate the time and attention necessary to thoroughly understand each child's circumstances and advocate effectively on their behalf.

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Do Judges, Attorneys, and Caseworkers Support CASA?

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Yes. Judges appoint CASA volunteers and rely on their recommendations when making decisions about children's futures. CASA programs are widely respected by judges, attorneys, social workers, educators, and child welfare professionals across the country.

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The independent perspective CASA volunteers provide is considered an invaluable resource within the child welfare system.

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Does the Federal Government Support CASA?

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Yes. CASA programs receive support through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). This support helps strengthen existing programs, encourage the development of new programs, and expand advocacy services for children nationwide.

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How Many CASA Programs Exist Nationwide?

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CASA programs serve children in communities across the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together, CASA volunteers advocate for hundreds of thousands of children each year, ensuring that more children have a dedicated voice in court.

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How Effective Are CASA Programs?

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Research and program outcomes consistently demonstrate the positive impact CASA volunteers have on children involved in the child welfare system. Children with a CASA volunteer often receive needed services more quickly, experience greater stability while in care, and have improved opportunities for achieving safe and permanent homes.

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Perhaps most importantly, CASA volunteers provide something every child deserves—a caring, consistent adult who is dedicated to advocating for their best interests and helping them build a brighter future.