What Is CASA?

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a program dedicated to finally giving voice to abused and neglected children. What makes CASA volunteers so special, in addition to the work they do, is that they are volunteers. CASA volunteers acknowledge a need within the Juvenile Court and act on it.

CASA is the only national organization of volunteer advocates who have been trained to speak as independent voices in court for children's best interests.

The U.S. Department of Justice has recognized CASA as a model program and views it as a "safety net for abused and neglected children."

CASA volunteers undergo a personal interview, 40 hours of training and a criminal background check. They are appointed by a juvenile court judge to gather information about a child's case, attend all court proceedings, and make recommendations to the judge regarding the best interests of the child. FCCASA not only advocates for children in the courtroom, they go to great lengths to locate relatives and identify resources, as well as conduct regular home visits. The ultimate goal of CASA is to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.