What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (Volunteer CASA)?
Childhood abuse or neglect itself is traumatic; that trauma is magnified when children, for their safety, are removed from a home with which they are familiar and potentially placed in a foster home with individuals with whom they are unfamiliar. This reality creates a need for a Court Appointed Special Advocate who helps to change that child’s story. Children assigned a CASA r are more likely to perform better in school, receive needed services, and find safe, permanent homes more quickly.
A volunteer CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained community member appointed by a judge to stand up for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. They are the steady presence in a child’s life during a confusing and difficult time who will be the consistent adult a child can rely on; get to know the child and understand their unique needs; speak up in court so their voice is heard; advocate for safe, permanent outcomes; and work alongside attorneys, social workers, and foster families so the child can be reunified with his/her parent(s). A CASA advocates, supports, and stands beside a child; their focus is simple but powerful: What is in this child’s best interest?
Advocates are friends of the court and the voices of our vulnerable children, helping them to navigate an overwhelming and terrifying journey toward reunification. In serving as the voice for our abused and neglected children, CASAs advocate for what is in the best interest of each child, ensuring they receive all recommended services.
It is important to understand that a CASA never provides legal advice; offers therapy or counseling; provides direct care or housing; or takes children into their own homes. As such, a volunteer does not need to be a lawyer, social worker, or therapist; no special degree is required. A volunteer merely needs heart and commitment; and be objective, dependable, and compassionate. They must be at least twenty-one years of age with no criminal history.
A child in Caroline County is waiting for you to STEP UP, SPEAK UP, and SHOW UP.
