Role of a CASA
A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child involved in a legal case, typically related to abuse, neglect, or family court matters.
The volunteer advocate works closely with the child, their family, social workers, and other professionals to gather information, monitor the child's well-being, and provide the court with an independent and informed recommendation. Their goal is to ensure that the child's voice is heard and that their needs are met, helping to guide decisions that prioritize the child's safety, stability, and future welfare.
CASA’s are expected to:
Learn about the child and their families.
Engage with the child during regular visits
Speak up for the child in court and make recommendations regarding the child’s placement and needed services, and monitor the child’s situation until the case is released by the court
Collaborate with other involved parties to ensure that the necessary services are provided and are in the best interest of the child.
Report what you’ve learned and observed to the court