Legal Definitions - court-appointed special advocate

A Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a specially trained volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent and advocate for the best interests of a child involved in a court case concerning abuse or neglect. Their primary role is to gather information, provide objective recommendations to the court, and ensure the child's voice and needs are heard throughout the legal proceedings, aiming to help the child find a safe, permanent home.

• Example 1: A local child protective services agency removes a six-year-old child from their home due to severe neglect, including unsanitary living conditions and lack of adequate food. The court appoints a CASA volunteer to the case. The CASA spends time with the child, interviews teachers, social workers, and potential foster parents, and reviews medical records. The CASA then provides a report to the judge, recommending a stable foster placement and specific services for the child and parents, ensuring the child's immediate safety and long-term well-being are prioritized.

  This illustrates the role of a CASA because the volunteer is appointed by the court to investigate the child's circumstances in a neglect case, gather comprehensive information from various sources, and make recommendations to the judge that specifically address the child's best interests, such as a safe placement and necessary support services.

• Example 2: During a contentious divorce, allegations surface that one parent is emotionally abusing their ten-year-old child, causing significant anxiety and withdrawal. The court, concerned about the child's emotional health, appoints a CASA. The CASA meets with the child regularly, observes interactions between the child and both parents, and consults with the child's school counselor and therapist. Based on their findings, the CASA recommends a specific custody arrangement and therapeutic interventions to the court, focusing on protecting the child from further emotional harm and supporting their recovery.

  This example demonstrates a CASA's function in a case involving alleged emotional abuse. The CASA acts as an independent voice for the child, assessing their emotional state and family dynamics, and then advises the court on decisions like custody and therapy that are crucial for the child's emotional safety and development.

• Example 3: A teenager with a chronic medical condition is frequently missing doctor's appointments and not receiving prescribed medication, leading to worsening health. Child protective services intervenes, alleging medical neglect. A CASA is assigned to the case. The CASA reviews the teenager's medical history, speaks with their doctors and school nurse, and talks with the teenager and their parents about their understanding and adherence to the treatment plan. The CASA then presents a report to the court, outlining the medical needs and recommending a plan that ensures the teenager receives consistent medical care and that the parents are supported in managing their child's health.

  Here, the CASA is involved in a medical neglect case, highlighting their role in understanding complex health information, assessing the parents' capacity to provide care, and advocating for the child's fundamental right to health. Their recommendations guide the court in making decisions that will secure the necessary medical attention for the teenager.