Legal Definitions - CASA

CASA stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA is a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. These advocates work to ensure that the child's needs are met while navigating the complex legal system, providing the court with independent, objective information to help judges make informed decisions about the child's future.

Here are some examples of how a CASA might be involved:

• Example 1: A Child in a Neglect Case
  A 7-year-old named Maya is removed from her home after her parents are found to be consistently neglecting her basic needs, such as food and hygiene. The court initiates proceedings to determine her long-term placement. A judge appoints a CASA volunteer for Maya. The CASA spends time with Maya, visits her foster home, speaks with her teachers, doctors, and social workers. The CASA then compiles a report for the judge, recommending a stable placement that prioritizes Maya's educational and emotional well-being, ensuring her voice is heard even if she's too young to articulate it fully in court. This illustrates how a CASA acts as an independent advocate, gathering information from various sources to provide the court with a comprehensive picture of the child's situation and needs, ultimately influencing decisions about her future.

• Example 2: A Teenager's Wishes in Foster Care
  A 14-year-old boy, David, is in foster care after experiencing severe physical abuse from a stepparent. He is struggling in school and has expressed a desire to live with his grandmother, who lives out of state, but the state's social services agency is exploring in-state options. A CASA is assigned to David's case. The CASA meets regularly with David, listens to his wishes, investigates the grandmother's living situation and ability to care for him, and reviews his school and medical records. The CASA then presents a report to the court, advocating for David's preference to live with his grandmother, provided it is a safe and suitable environment, ensuring his perspective is considered alongside the agency's recommendations. This example highlights the CASA's role in representing the child's specific wishes and best interests, especially for an older child, and conducting independent verification of potential placements to inform the court's decision.

• Example 3: Evaluating Permanent Placement Options for Siblings
  Twin toddlers, Leo and Mia, are placed in temporary foster care after their single parent is arrested and unable to care for them. There are multiple relatives expressing interest in taking them, but the court needs to determine the most stable and appropriate long-term solution. A CASA volunteer is appointed to the twins' case. The CASA visits each potential relative's home, observes their interactions with the children, and assesses their capacity to provide a safe, nurturing, and permanent environment. The CASA also reviews the children's developmental progress and any special needs. Based on this thorough investigation, the CASA provides a recommendation to the judge, focusing on the twins' need for stability and continuity of care, helping the court choose the best permanent home. This demonstrates the CASA's investigative function in evaluating multiple options for a child's permanent placement, ensuring that the court has all necessary information to make a decision that prioritizes the children's long-term well-being.