The Importance of a Child’s Voice in Court: Why Advocacy Matters
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
When a child becomes involved in the court system, their future can depend on how well their needs and wishes are represented. CASA of Kosciusko County understands that every child deserves to have a strong, consistent voice during legal proceedings.
Child advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that children in foster care or involved in abuse and neglect cases receive the protection and support they need.
Why A Child’s Voice Matters In Court
Children often face confusing and overwhelming situations when their safety or living arrangements are questioned in court. In Kosciusko County, children don’t often attend court proceedings, so their CASA volunteer is the only person focusing the parties in court on what is in the child’s best interest.
Without a volunteer CASA advocate, silence can lead to decisions being made without fully understanding the child’s best interests. A child’s voice matters because it provides insight into their feelings, needs, and experiences, which are critical to reaching the right outcomes.
How Child Advocacy Supports Children In The Legal System
The State of Indiana recognizes the importance of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children by requiring that a CASA volunteer or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) be appointed to every Child in Need of Services (CHINS) case.
In Kosciusko County, however, there are not enough GALs available to serve in this role. As a result, CASA is appointed to every CHINS case in the county and serves every child the Court determines to require services due to abuse or neglect.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are trained to represent the best interests of children.
These advocates gather information from family members, teachers, social workers, and others to build a clear picture of the child’s life. They then speak up in court to ensure judges have accurate and comprehensive information.
CASA volunteers provide:
- Consistent support and presence for the child throughout the case
- An independent and unbiased perspective focused solely on the child’s welfare
- A trusted adult to listen to the child’s wishes and concerns
The Impact of Having a CASA Advocate
Studies show that children with CASA advocates experience better outcomes. They spend less time in foster care and are more likely to find safe, permanent homes. They also received more necessary services than children without a CASA assigned to them. Advocates help reduce uncertainty by ensuring the child’s needs remain at the center of all decisions.
Through their dedicated involvement, CASA volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Why Advocacy Is Essential In Kosciusko County
Kosciusko County has many children who face challenges within the foster care and child welfare systems. CASA of Kosciusko County works tirelessly to recruit and train volunteers to provide these children with a voice in court.
The need for compassionate advocates continues to grow, and every child deserves someone to stand up for them. So far in 2025, volunteers have advocated for more than 160 children and are on track to serve more than the 183 children supported in 2024.
You Can Make a Difference Through Child Advocacy
Becoming a CASA volunteer means becoming a powerful voice for a child who might otherwise go unheard. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support to guide them in advocating effectively. By volunteering, you offer hope, stability, and a chance for a brighter future to a child in need.
If you care about the well-being of children in Kosciusko County, consider joining CASA as a volunteer child advocate today. Your commitment can change a child’s life forever.
