Frequently Asked Questions

Family Case Managers, often called FCMs, work for state child welfare agencies and often manage many cases at the same time.

CASA volunteers usually handle only one or two cases. This allows them to spend more time learning about each child’s circumstances.

CASA volunteers do not replace Family Case Managers. They work alongside them as part of the child’s support team. Their role focuses entirely on advocating for the child’s best interests and providing independent recommendations to the court.

A CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation. Attorneys handle the legal aspects of a case and represent the parties involved in court.

CASA volunteers focus on gathering information and sharing insights about the child’s situation. Their recommendations help attorneys and judges understand what will best support the child’s safety and long-term stability.

CASA volunteers collect information from many sources so they can fully understand the child’s situation.

They may speak with:

• The child
• Parents and family members
• Social workers
• Teachers and school staff
• Medical and mental health providers

Volunteers also review records such as school reports, medical information, and other case documents. This process helps them make informed recommendations that reflect the child’s needs and circumstances.

CASA volunteers build trust with the child and provide a steady, supportive presence during a challenging time.

They help children understand what is happening around them in ways that match the child’s age and level of understanding. Volunteers may explain why the child attends court hearings and the roles of judges, attorneys, and social workers.

CASA volunteers also encourage children to share their thoughts and hopes. While they listen carefully to the child’s perspective, they remain objective and advocate for what will serve the child’s best interests.

CASA volunteers stay involved with a case until the court reaches a resolution. Most cases last around 18 months.

One of the strengths of the CASA program is the consistency volunteers provide. While other professionals may change throughout the case, the CASA volunteer often remains a constant presence in the child’s life.

Most CASA volunteers handle one case at a time. A case may include more than one child when siblings remain together.

If a volunteer has additional availability or their current case slows while waiting for adoption or another resolution, they may choose to take on a second case.

Each case looks different, but most CASA volunteers spend about five to ten hours per month on their responsibilities.

Volunteers often spend more time during the first four to six weeks while they review records and learn about the child’s situation. Court reports typically occur every four to six months, and writing these reports may require additional time.

CASA staff provide guidance and support throughout the process.

There is no typical CASA volunteer. Volunteers come from many professional, educational, and cultural backgrounds.

Some volunteers work full-time while others serve after retirement or alongside family responsibilities. What they share is a commitment to advocating for children and helping them navigate the court process.

CASA programs create meaningful outcomes for children in the child welfare system.

Research shows that children who have a CASA volunteer often find permanent homes more quickly and are less likely to return to the foster care system. These children also receive more support services and often achieve stronger educational outcomes.

Through consistent advocacy and community support, CASA programs help children move toward safer and more stable futures.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer, is a trained community member who advocates for a child involved in court because of abuse, neglect, or difficult family circumstances. A judge appoints the volunteer to represent the child’s best interests during the legal process.

CASA volunteers spend time learning about the child’s situation, gathering information, and sharing recommendations with the court. Their work helps ensure the child’s needs, safety, and well-being remain at the center of every decision.

A CASA volunteer helps the judge understand what a child needs to stay safe and move toward a stable future. Each case looks different because every child and family situation is unique.

Volunteers gather information about the child’s circumstances and make fact-based recommendations to the court. These recommendations may address visitation, services for the child or family, and whether the child should return home. CASA volunteers submit these recommendations in written reports and may attend court hearings when needed.

Along the way, they also provide encouragement and consistency for the child during a difficult time.