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Mission: CASA Volunteers offer hope and security to children that have been placed in the child welfare system. CASA Volunteers get to know each child and are by their side, advocating for their best interest in the courtroom, in school, and in the community. We advocate for reunification of families first, and make sure children are safe, have the shortest possible road to a permanent home, and an opportunity to thrive.

What is a CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the 21st Judicial District Court, gathering relevant information about the child and their family. They are a consistent, responsible adult presence for a child for as long as the child in under the jurisdiction of the court. They ensure children are provided and receive services that support their emotional, physical and educational well-being. They encourage parents and families to participate in recommended services that serve the child’s best interests.

Who is a CASA?

CASA volunteers are everyday people, from all walks of life interested in serving the needs of children. Advocate volunteers strive to ensure the emotional, physical, and educational well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The work with families and youth serving agencies to establish safe, permanent homes, giving children the opportunity to thrive.

What does a CASA do?

Advocate: CASA gives the child a voice in court. CASA volunteers speak up for the child by making recommendations regarding the child’s best interests in a written court report.

Investigate: CASA evaluates the child’s situation through an objective lens. Recognizing and lessening the widespread impact of trauma for a child, CASA volunteers carry out an objective examination of the situation, including relevant history, environment, relationships, and identified needs of a child.

Facilitate: CASA identifies resources and services for the child to encourage a collaborative relationship between all the parties on a case.

Monitor: CASA ensures the rights of abused and neglected children are being protected, safe, and the child’s best interests are being met.

CASA volunteers are compassionate, objective, self-motivated individuals from the community who are trained to speak on behalf of abused and neglected children. CASA Volunteer Applicants submit an on-line application with references, complete an interview with the program staff, and attend training. A complete criminal history and child abuse registry check are performed on each applicant. Upon completion of their training, CASA volunteers are sworn in by the 21st Judicial District Court as Officers of the Court, and as such adhere to strict confidentiality, and professionalism throughout their appointment.

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