Dependency|CASA Court Appointed Special Advocate

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)

When a child is found to be dependent (a victim of child abuse/neglect) and enters the foster care system, the Court almost always appoints a CASA for the child. The CASA program will then assign a particular specially trained volunteer to that child/ren. These volunteers work independently, meeting with the kids in their placements (foster home, group home, relative home) and school. During court proceedings, the CASA will provide a report, making recommendations that the CASA believes is in the best interest of the child as well as being a source of support to the child during court.  Throughout the life of the case, the CASA also ensures the court order is being complied with and that the treatment plan for the kid/s is appropriate. These volunteers must be able to communicate effectively with children and others, to come to court when needed, attend Citizen Review Panels and operate effectively in an environment involving lawyers, courts, state agencies, etc.

For more information on volunteering for CASA contact Michelle Meek at 770-345-3274