CASA Volunteers are the Voice of Foster Children in the Courtroom

You might have a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer (CASA) for your foster child. Who are these special volunteers, and how does their advocacy help foster children? CASA Volunteers assist foster kids of all ages and give them a voice in court. They spend time with foster children and give direct support to judges to help children quickly find safe, permanent homes.

CASA Volunteers help the child welfare system by supporting children who need safe, stable, and loving homes. The opioid epidemic in our country has further taxed an already stressed system. In the United States, a gift of CASA is extra support for about 1 in 3 foster children in most states. The goal of the National CASA Volunteer Office is for every foster child to have an advocate.

The Juvenile Justice System appoints these advocates, who are a highly trained but limited resource. These qualified individuals dedicate their time and effort to help courts understand children's perspectives and best interests. The local level of need in the community determines the assignment of CASA Volunteers. They differ from a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), professional attorneys representing children in court.

CASA Volunteers help foster children and families in a different but vital way from foster parenting. The CASA local office vets and trains each volunteer, and the court swears them in. Volunteers get to know foster children, many of whom have suffered abuse or neglect, and seek to understand their unique needs. Then, they work within the legal system to advocate for the child's best interests.

Advocates do not work for the Department of Social Services or necessarily have backgrounds handling cases. CASA Volunteers are all adults aged 21 years or older. They come from all walks of life and bring many different experiences. Each has undergone fingerprinting and cleared the Criminal and Child Protective Service Central Registry checks.

Every CASA Volunteer completes about 40 hours of training. In training, they learn about courts, judges, and cases involving young people in the foster system. They learn CASA advocate duties and their role in supporting children and judges in court.

The foster child's local juvenile court system must swear in CASA Volunteers before they can represent a child. The juvenile court judge appoints CASA Volunteers to serve on specific foster cases. Advocates may represent a single child or a sibling group, usually kids in foster care. They may have lived in group homes or foster homes, ideally with a nurturing foster family.

Being a CASA Volunteer doesn't include a long-term commitment over many years. Foster children usually remain in the system for a year or longer. Advocates typically commit to assisting them for at least a year and often stay with their assigned children until they leave the court system. The birth family may reunite with their children at that time, or a foster family may adopt them. 

What do CASA recruitment and court judges look for in a Volunteer? They need someone who can remain objective and focused on their foster child's well-being, no matter the personal story. Children and families who find themselves in the foster system often experience life-changing hardships. Their families are in crisis, sometimes involving adult criminal courts, too.

CASA Volunteers focus on the child's benefit and well-being, regardless of the family circumstances. They observe and listen to the child, and sometimes talk to family and professionals involved in the child's situation. They advocate for foster children and siblings, giving the courts information and advice on caring for and supporting them.

CASA Volunteers often attend court to represent and support the child in person. In these instances, they provide evidence to help judges make informed decisions about each child's case. The court respects the views of CASA Volunteers, so CASA reports greatly influence judge rulings.

CASA Volunteers maintain privacy. At the same time, they provide the courts with a clear, unbiased assessment of the child's needs, experiences, and challenges. Evaluations may include background information about the biological family and the child's history in the foster care system. Recommendations may center around the child's well-being and special needs within or beyond their foster placement.

CASA volunteers regularly visit the foster youth they represent, committing to once per month. They build relationships with the child to support their foster home and community involvement. CASA volunteers can take foster kids on fun outings and serve as reliable adults in their lives. Sometimes, they can help with transportation for the child to visit family or friends approved by the child's guardian.

If you're a foster parent, consider your CASA Volunteer to be a partner in your parenting journey. They support your foster child's well-being and your role as a foster parent. If you believe your foster child needs certain care services, be open about your child's experiences. Your CASA Volunteer's advocacy is an excellent resource since their reports go directly to the foster child's presiding judge.

CASA Volunteers play a significant role in the foster care system. They are not just advocates, but voices for children who may otherwise go unheard by the courts. By dedicating their time, energy, and compassion, these volunteers bridge the gap between the legal system and the real needs of foster children.

CASA works toward a future where every foster child has the advocacy and support they need to thrive. Visit CASA for Children to learn more.