What Do CASAs Do?
What Does A CASA Do?
After being appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge, a CASA:
- Gathers all pertinent information related to the child’s case. Identifies the child’s needs and ensures appropriate services
- Makes recommendations to the court judge through written and verbal reports
- Serves as a consistent & knowledgeable advocate for the child’s placement in a safe, permanent and nurturing home
Who Are the Children?
- Children in the juvenile court dependency system due to allegations of abuse or neglect against their parents. This includes physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or witnessing domestic violence.
- Children between the ages of 0-18 (sometimes 21 if the child is still in school, in a treatment facility, or has a disability).
Why Do We Need CASAs?
- The presiding judge relies on the CASA to investigate the case and recommend what is in the child’s best interest.
- CASAs strive to make sure children are not re-abused
- CASAs ensure children receive needed services (therapy, health care, special education)
- CASAs are often the only consistent person in an abused child’s life