Frequently Asked Questions

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community advocate who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court by serving as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the Court and a voice for the child. Children are referred by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge because their families have been cited for abuse and neglect, and their home placement is being determined in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court . 

What is the CASA advocate's role?
A CASA advocate provides the judge with carefully researched background information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future.  Each home placement is as unique as the child involved.  The CASA advocate must determine if it is in a child's best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA advocate makes a recommendation on placement to the judge, and follows through by monitoring the case until it is permanently resolved.

How does a CASA advocate investigate a case?
The CASA advocate talks with the child, parents, foster parents, family members, social workers, school officials, child care providers, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history.  The CASA advocate also reviews all records pertaining to the child—such as school, medical, and social worker reports.  For each court hearing, the CASA compiles all the information gathered and submits a written report to the Judge.

How does a CASA differ from a social worker?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments. A CASA is an advocate, and has more time and smaller caseloads (an average of 1-2 cases) than professional social workers, who handle many complex cases simultaneously.    The CASA advocate does not replace a social worker on a case; the CASA is an independent appointee of the Court. The CASA advocate thoroughly examines a child's case, has knowledge of community resources, and can make a recommendation to the Court independent of state agency restrictions.

How does the role of a CASA advocate differ from an attorney?  
The CASA advocate does not provide legal representation in the courtroom.  That is the role of the attorney.  However, the CASA advocate does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases.  It is important to remember that CASA advocates do not represent a child's wishes in court.  Rather, they speak to the child's best interest.

Is there a "typical" CASA advocate?   
CASA advocates come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds.  There are more than 100,000 CASA advocates nationwide. Two-thirds of the advocates nationwide are women; one-third are men. There are over 970 local programs that vary in the number of advocates they utilize.  Aside from their CASA advocate work, many advocates are employed in regular full-time jobs and the majority have graduated from college. Many have advanced degrees.  

Can anyone volunteer to be a CASA? 
CASA advocates are ordinary citizens.  No special or legal background is required.  Advocates are screened closely for objectivity, competence and commitment.  The Code of Virginia and the Department of Criminal Justice Services specify through law and regulations that all individuals who are interested in becoming a CASA advocate must be a minimum of 21 years of age and must submit to and pass a thorough background examination.

What training does a CASA advocate receive?  
CASA advocates undergo a comprehensive training course of 42 hours.    Many topics are covered in the training program to include the History of Child Abuse and Neglect, Understanding Child Development, Cultural Awareness & Issues of Poverty, the Roles and Responsibilities of a CASA, and Court Observation.  CASA advocates also learn effective advocacy techniques for children and are educated about local community resources.  Twelve hours of additional in-service training is required per year during active service.

How does the CASA advocate relate to the child he or she represents?  
CASA advocates offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings.  Based on each child’s age, emotional, and social development, the CASA advocate explains to each child the events that are happening, including the reason(s) they are in court and the roles the judge, lawyers, and social workers play.  CASA advocates also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers.

On an average, how many cases does a CASA advocate carry at a time?    
A CASA serves on one or two cases at a time, which may involve more than one child in a family.

Do lawyers, judges and social caseworkers support CASA?  
Yes.  Juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint the advocates.  CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators.

Does the federal government support CASA?  
CASA is a priority of the Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.  The office encourages the establishment of new CASA programs, assists established CASA programs, and provides partial funding for the National CASA Association.

How many CASA programs are there?    
There are now over 970 CASA programs in 50 states. 

How effective have CASA programs been?   
Preliminary findings show that children who have been assigned CASA advocates tend to spend less time in court and less time within the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation.  Judges have observed that CASA children also have better chances of finding permanent homes than non-CASA children.

How much time does it require?   
Each case is different.  A CASA advocate usually spends about 15-20 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance.  More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, advocates work about 10-15 hours a month.

How long does a CASA advocate remain involved with a case?  
The advocate continues until the child is in a safe and permanent home.  One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA advocate is a consistent figure in the proceedings, and provides continuity for a child.

Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same service?   
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where advocates are appointed by the Court to represent a child's best interests in Court.

Which  children are assigned CASA advocates?   
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect and whose parents or guardians have been brought before the court are assigned CASA advocates.  Colonial CASA currently serves the children of James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg and Poquoson. Colonial CASA served 152 victims of abuse and neglect in FY 10.

What is the role of the National CASA Association?   
The National CASA Association is a non-profit organization that represents and serves the local CASA programs.  It provides training, technical assistance, research, news and public awareness services to members.

 

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