The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom − that is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child’s wishes in court. Rather, they speak for the child’s best interests.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and from a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are nearly 1,400 CASA volunteers statewide. Local programs vary in the number of volunteers they utilize. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 60 percent are employed in full- or part-time jobs; 60% are college or university graduates. The majority (82%) of the volunteers nationwide are women.

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They help explain to the child the events happening involving the case, the reasons they are in court and the roles of the judge, lawyers and case workers. While remaining objective observers, CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes about the case.

The caseload is one child or one group of siblings

There are 14 CASA programs serving 23 of the 24 jurisdictions in Maryland.

Judges report that they assign CASA volunteers to the most complex cases with the highest number of risk factors for the children involved. Findings show that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time in the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation. Judges have observed that children with CASA volunteers also have better chances of finding permanent homes. In 4-out-of-5 cases, all or almost all of the CASA volunteer’s recommendations are accepted by the court.

Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10 hours a month, but time commitments vary.

The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.

CASA volunteers are appointed to children who are under the protection of the court as a result of abuse or neglect.

CASA programs are known by a variety of names, including Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children and Voices for Children. In order to find a CASA program in your area, visit our local programs page.

For more information fill out a “Volunteer Inquiry” form located on our get involved page!