A CASA is a specially trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to be the investigative body for the Court and the voice of an abused or neglected child. The CASA works for the best interest of the child by advocating for a safe, permanent home for the child as quickly as possible, while also advocating for the child’s health, safety, and educational needs. Each CASA commits to being
a consistent and reliable figure in the child’s life and helps guide the child through the court process. The CASA ensures the child will not get lost in the legal and child protection systems. The CASA assists the Court in making decisions regarding a safe and permanent home for the child, whether that is reunification with their family or an alternative option, such as kinship care or adoption. Following a 30-hour pre-service training course, Advocates are sworn in as Guardians ad Litems. Serving on average between 5 and 10 hours each month, an Advocate visits the child(ren) whom they serve, investigates the child(ren)'s circumstances and reports to the court monthly. An Advocate works for better outcomes for every child they serve.
