Skip to main content

What We Do

CASA recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in our community. CASA volunteers do their own investigation, get to know each child and write reports directly to the judge with recommendations for what’s in the child’s best interests.

CASA volunteers get cases moving through the child welfare system and advocate strongly to help ensure each child is in a secure, safe home. Our program succeeds with help from dedicated staff, caring volunteers and generous donors like you.

The Advocate

This is not about

rescue, so as to feel good

when the child lights up with a smile.

This is not about

the comfort of compassion.

This is hard work,

struggling with ripped families

and children in clouds of pain,

anger dancing around in their hearts

in the turmoil of a world

made crazy. This is caring,

yes, but also what is just,

what should be demanded.

It takes love

and a certain measure of courage.

And in the simple act

of person helping person,

It becomes extraordinary.

—    Mercedes Lawry

Former communications director, National CASA

Every year in the United States, over 270,000 children are removed from their homes and placed with relatives or in foster care because they cannot live safely with their parents. Their future path in life will eventually be decided in court. Will a child be returned to his or her parents, remain with relatives, stay in foster care or become available for adoption?

Today, to help judges make these types of difficult decisions, there are more than 900 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs throughout the nation. Volunteer advocates with these programs champion the best interest of children so that they can have a chance to thrive.

Our Partners