Legal Definitions - Court Appointed Special Advocates

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a specially trained, non-legal volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child involved in court proceedings due to abuse or neglect. These volunteers conduct independent investigations, gather information, and make recommendations to the court to help judges make informed decisions about the child's future, always prioritizing the child's safety, well-being, and need for a permanent, stable home.

• Example 1: Advocating for a Child in Foster Care

  A young child, Leo, is removed from his home due to severe neglect and placed in temporary foster care. A CASA volunteer is assigned to Leo's case. The CASA regularly visits Leo in his foster home, speaks with his teachers, doctors, and social workers, and reviews his medical and school records. The CASA then compiles a comprehensive report for the judge, recommending specific therapeutic services for Leo and advocating for a permanent placement that can meet his long-term emotional and developmental needs.

  This example illustrates how the CASA acts as an independent voice for Leo, gathering information from various sources to ensure the court understands his unique situation and makes decisions that are truly in his best interest, beyond what official agency reports might cover.

• Example 2: Guiding Decisions on Parental Rights

  The court is considering whether to terminate the parental rights of parents who have consistently failed to meet the requirements of their reunification plan, leaving their child, Mia, in foster care for an extended period. A CASA volunteer is appointed to Mia's case. The CASA spends time with Mia, observes her interactions with her foster family, and assesses the stability and love provided in her current environment. The CASA also reviews the parents' progress reports and attends all court hearings. Based on their findings, the CASA provides a recommendation to the judge regarding whether terminating parental rights and pursuing adoption would offer Mia the stability and permanency she needs, or if further efforts towards reunification are viable.

  Here, the CASA's role is crucial in a high-stakes decision, providing an objective perspective focused solely on Mia's need for a safe and permanent home, helping the judge weigh complex factors to determine her future.

• Example 3: Ensuring Educational Stability for a Teenager

  A teenager named Chloe, who has experienced significant abuse, is moved between several foster homes and schools, causing her to fall behind academically and struggle with attendance. A CASA volunteer is assigned to Chloe's case. The CASA works closely with Chloe's school counselors, attends individualized education plan (IEP) meetings, and advocates for consistent school placement and access to tutoring or special education services. The CASA's report to the court highlights Chloe's educational challenges and recommends specific actions to ensure she receives the necessary support to succeed in school and achieve stability in her learning environment.

  This example demonstrates that a CASA's advocacy extends beyond just physical safety and placement, encompassing all aspects of a child's well-being, including their educational development and emotional stability, which are vital for their long-term success.