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CASA

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1. What CASA volunteers do?

While some of our volunteers help with office work or program promotion, most are CASA / GAL. GAL is an acronym for guardian ad litem which means the guardian of a child’s interest while in the court system. After a thorough training program, the CASA takes a case and begins to work directly with a child and his/her family to determine what is in that child’s best interests.

To learn more about what a CASA / GAL does on the job, see About CASA or visit National CASA.

2. How can I become a CASA volunteer?

Complete, print and submit the CASA Volunteer Application.

3. What is a CASA / GAL?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) / Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of an abused or neglected child in court.

4. What is the role of the CASA / GAL?

A CASA provides a judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. Each case is as unique as the child involved.

The CASA must determine if it is in a child’s best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster or relative care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA makes a recommendation on placement and services to the judge and continues on the case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

5. How does a CASA investigate a case?

To prepare a recommendation, the CASA talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history.

6. How does the role of CASA differ from an attorney?

The CASA does not provide legal representation; that is the role of the attorney. Instead, the CASA advocates for the best interests of the child. The CASA provides crucial background information and logical, fact-based recommendations that assist the court in making sound decisions for the child.