CASA

What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?

Each year thousands of children fall victim to abuse, neglect or abandonment. These children become victimized and may be lost in an overburdened child welfare system. Sometimes a child can remain adrift in foster care for months even years.

Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA) are trained volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused or neglected children in court. CASA volunteers work alongside attorneys and social workers from case inception to its completion.

CASA volunteers come form all walks of life. They have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment.

Once accepted, volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, the social service and juvenile court systems, and the special needs of children who have been abused or neglected.

It takes a commitment of 10-12 hours a month to be a CASA volunteer. Although it is challenging, it is very rewarding.

National Statistics

National CASA

Illinois CASA