Advocacy
The CASA® serves as an advocate for abused and neglected children in court. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family, relevant agencies, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. CASA® volunteers also speak with involved attorneys and case workers.
The CASA® volunteer then reviews all of the child’s records and provides the judge with a report on their findings. With the information provided by the CASA®, judges are better able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child, choosing options such as returning to their parents, foster care, or adoption.
Research shows that children who have been assigned a CASA® tend to spend less time in court and the foster care system, than those who do not have CASA® representation.
Child Custody Advocate Program volunteers assist children caught in the middle of difficult custody disputes. The CCAP volunteer does this by looking into the background and current family situation for each child.
