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About CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates
History of CASA
In 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of
National CASA Association
In addition to providing leadership for CASA programs across the country (also known as Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Programs), the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association stages an annual conference, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and promotes CASA through public relations efforts. National CASA offers consultation and resources that help start CASA programs and provides vital assistance to established programs. National CASA also implements a Quality Assurance program for all local CASA programs and state associations across the country to ensure the highest program quality and administrative efficiency.
National CASA Association
100
800.628.3233
www.nationalcasa.org
The Illinois CASA Association is the organizing body for CASA in
Illinois CASA Facts
In fiscal year 2007, 28,516 children were indicated for abuse and neglect in
Out of the 102 counties in
In fiscal year 2007, 4,740 child victims of abuse and/or neglect received CASA services in
A child abuse case can last a year or longer, until a decision is made for a permanent home. The CASA volunteer is an advocate for the child during the entire time. Research suggests that CASA volunteers strongly influence a child’s length of stay in foster care, in moving the court process more quickly and in permanency planning.
In
CASA programs are nonprofit organizations.
Illinois CASA and the thiry-one local CASA programs in
There are more than nine hundred local CASA programs in the
Frequently Asked Questions About CASA
What is a CASA volunteer? A CASA volunteer is an officer of the court. A judge appoints a special advocate to represent the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court proceedings.
What does a CASA volunteer do? A trained CASA volunteer gathers information for the court. He or she recommends to the judge what the child needs to be safe and what is in the child’s best interest for a safe, nurturing and permanent home. A CASA volunteer advocates for an appropriate decision that is made in a timely manner.
Why does a child need a CASA volunteer? When the court is making decisions that will affect a child’s future, the child needs and deserves a spokesperson- an objective adult to provide independent information about the best interests of the child. While other parties in the case are concerned about the child, they also have other interests. The CASA is the only person in the case whose sole concern is the best interest of the child. CASA volunteers are assigned one case at a time. One CASA per each child, to provide that child with a “voice in court”. A CASA gives individual attention to each case.
An abused or neglected child has come from a world of chaos and instability. For the child, there is fear. Fear of being hurt; fear of being alone and fear about the future. For the children who are in out-of-home placements, there can be many changes in schools and homes before a decision is made in regard to where the child should be placed. A CASA volunteer can be the sole source of stability in the child’s life. A CASA is a trusted, dependable adult who doesn’t go away and who gives the child hope for a better future. This, then, is an opportunity to benefit our most vulnerable children, those who have been abused and neglected.
What is the difference between the CASA and a Social Worker? The roles are not the same. The CASA is independent from the social services system and focuses solely on the child. The DCFS caseworker serves the entire family -parents and child- by providing direct services. DCFS caseworkers are not able to be a wholly independent voice because they are part of an agency that has already taken a position in the case by filing a petition and bringing the matter to court. A CASA is an independent voice, advocating on behalf of one particular child.
Why does a child need both a CASA volunteer and an attorney? A CASA volunteer is able to spend as much time as is necessary to gather information about the child and the child’s familial system. A CASA serves at the request of a judge and provides a report on the best placement for a child. If a court had to pay an attorney to do this job, it would be too costly. A child’s attorney provides legal representation. The CASA volunteer and the child’s attorney can work as a team to represent the best interest of the child.
Why do CASA programs cost money to run, when volunteers are not paid? CASA programs hire staff to manage the program and supervise volunteers. Program costs include: salaries, office support, computers and equipment, travel and training. CASA program staff members recruit, train and supervise volunteers to ensure quality services. National CASA has program standards that all CASA programs are required to meet.
Does the court listen to what a CASA has to say? Judges know their decisions are only as good as the information they receive. They count on CASA volunteers to be an independent voice and they know that CASA volunteers have more time to focus on specific cases. A CASA who can tell the court “I was there- this is what I observed” is invaluable.
How do we know CASA volunteers are effective? Studies have shown CASA volunteers to be effective in reducing court costs, reducing stays in foster care and even in reducing rates of delinquency. A study conducted by the National CASA Association showed that children with a CASA volunteer spent approximately one year less in care than a child without a CASA. This represents a savings to taxpayers and it also means that a child finds a permanent and safe home more quickly. 7501 N. University St., Suite 217 B Peoria, IL 61614 Phone: 309-683-8788 Fax 309-683-8790
