What is CASA?

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CASA is a court advocacy program for neglect and abused children who are court wards of the Circuit Court – Family Division. Affiliated with National CASA, this program trains and supports volunteer Advocates, who are court-appointed to various cases identified by the court.

The children, who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, are the focus of Advocates' involvement with their assigned cases. Once appointed, the Advocates continue with the case until permanency is achieved. Reunification with family, guardianship, and adoption are all possible permanency goals.

In several cases, the same Advocate has supported the child for over two years, providing the critical element of constancy in the child's life.

Why CASA?

A young sister and brother who are in the foster care system – Becky, age 5, and Tommy, age 7 – were recently asked what they wanted their family to be like.

Here’s what they wrote:

WE WANT:

• Not to have to go from foster home to foster home
• A parent who cares for us and kisses us goodnight
• My own room, if possible
• Mom and Dad time
• Parents who won’t be mean to me
• Someone to pack my lunch and help me with my homework
• Not to worry about what I’m going to eat or if I’ll be on the street

Luckily, Becky and Tommy have a CASA volunteer to advocate for their needs in the courtroom. Their CASA is helping to get them placed in a safe, loving and permanent home, where they will find the family they dream about.

Click here for a CASA brochure.

National CASA Association
www.casaforchildren.org