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Court Appointed Special Advocates

     CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child - foster care, reunification, or adoption, and in a more timely fashion, so these children still have a chance at childhood.
     CASA volunteers work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information and talk to everyone involved - parents, teachers, family members and the child. From this information, they present a recommendation to the judge as to what is best for this child. CASA programs can help a displaced child find the security he or she needs to grow and reach full potential. Studies show that:

• Abused and neglected children who have CASA volunteers have a better chance of living in safe, permanent and loving homes than children who do not have volunteers.

• CASA involvement often reduces the number of times a child is moved from foster home to foster home.

• CASA cases are more likely to be reviewed on a regular bases by the court.

• A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to receive treatment through community services.

     If you want more information about CASA or want to find out how to become involved, please call 1-800-628-3233 which is the National CASA Headquarters; the Washington State Association CASA can be reached at (206) 667-9716; the local Guardian Ad Lidem program can be reached at (206) 296-1120.