What Is A CASA
Be An Advocate For Children In Foster Care
Advocate for a Child
Speak up for a child’s best interests in court.
Bring Clarity to the Court
Help judges understand a child’s needs and situation clearly.
Be a Consistent Presence
Stay involved and support a child throughout their case.
A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained community volunteer who advocates for a child involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect.
Children who enter the foster care system often face uncertainty, trauma, and a long legal process. They meet many professionals along the way, but few people stay focused on their personal story from start to finish.
That’s where CASA volunteers step in.
CASA volunteers help the court understand a child’s situation by gathering information, building a relationship with them, and recommending what will best support the child’s safety and long-term stability. For many children, their CASA becomes the one consistent adult who stays involved throughout the entire case.
Start a Conversation
Have questions about becoming a CASA volunteer? We’re here to answer them and help you take the next step.
CASA Best-Interest Advocacy
Why CASA Exists
Children in foster care often interact with caseworkers, attorneys, foster parents, therapists, and educators. Each person plays an important role, but many carry heavy caseloads or limited time with each child.
CASA programs recruit trained volunteers to focus on individual children and make sure their needs never get lost in the system. Judges rely on CASA volunteers to provide detailed insight into a child’s life and well-being so they can make informed decisions about the child’s future.
The goal of CASA of Kosciusko County remains simple and powerful: Help every child find a safe, permanent, and supportive home as quickly as possible.
The Role Of A CASA Volunteer
CASA volunteers take an active role in understanding a child’s circumstances and advocating for their best interests.
After the court assigns a case, a volunteer begins learning everything possible about the child’s life.
That work often includes:
Spending time with the child to build trust and connection
Talking with teachers, caregivers, caseworkers, and family members
Reviewing records related to education, health, and services
Attending court hearings and case meetings
Submitting written recommendations to the judge
A Consistent Voice For Children
Children involved in abuse or neglect cases often experience constant change. Foster placements shift. Professionals rotate in and out of their lives. Court proceedings take time. A CASA volunteer provides connection and consistency.
By staying involved throughout the case, the volunteer builds a deeper understanding of the child’s needs, strengths, and goals. This ongoing relationship helps the court make decisions that prioritize the child’s well-being and long-term stability.
Most importantly, CASA volunteers ensure vulnerable children never feel invisible in the legal process.
Volunteer Training And Support
You don’t need legal experience or a background in child welfare to become a CASA.
CASA programs provide training that prepares volunteers to understand the child welfare system, trauma, family dynamics, and court procedures. Volunteers also receive ongoing guidance and support from CASA staff throughout each case. The program equips everyday community members with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively for children.
The Impact Of CASA Advocacy
One dedicated volunteer can change the trajectory of a child’s life. By building relationships, gathering information, and advocating for the child’s best interests, CASA volunteers help courts make decisions that support safety, healing, and long-term stability.
Every child deserves someone who listens, cares, and speaks up for them. That’s exactly what a CASA does.
The effect of a CASA creates a ripple effect and reassures the child that they had at least one person who cared for them in one of the most stressful times of their life.