Mission and Facts

MISSION

Our Mission is to recruit and train volunteers who speak in court for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children.

FACTS

  • CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate.
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who are appointed by judges to speak in court for the safety and well-being of an abused or neglected child.
  • Children assigned to a CASA volunteer are victims of abuse or neglect.
  • CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. More than half of all CASA volunteers are employed full-time.
  • CASA volunteers are well trained and supported by competent and professional staff.
  • Judges, attorneys, child protective workers and parents overwhelmingly report that CASA volunteers make a difference with the children they serve.
  • Children with a CASA volunteer are half as likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as more than three years in care.
  • Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be permanently closed. Fewer than 10% of children with a CASA volunteer re-enter the foster care system.
  • CASA advocacy saves taxpayer dollars by reducing children’s length of stay and chances of returning to Foster Care.