Each day in Rockdale County children are beaten, battered, sexually abused, emotionally injured or neglected. These children find themselves in court where a maze of social workers, therapists, attorneys and judges must determine their future. They need a strong voice speaking out for their best interests! Rockdale Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was established in 1996 by Juvenile Court
Judge William Schneider. We are a non-profit organization that trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in juvenile court proceedings. Judge Schneider had a vision that each abused and neglected child in Rockdale County involved in juvenile court proceedings shall have an advocate - someone to speak up for their best interests. The program has grown from two volunteers in 1996 to over 50 currently. Our volunteers advocate for over 250 children a year! CASA volunteers talk with the child, parents, therapists, attorneys and other individuals who have knowledge of the child’s situation. The volunteer then goes to court and makes a recommendation focusing on the child’s best interests. After the court hearing, the volunteer remains involved with the case, monitoring the orders of the Court to ensure that the child is receiving the appropriate services in a timely fashion. CASA volunteers bring urgency to a child's needs, both in and out of a courtroom, advocate for safety, permanence and well-being.
