Rockdale Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to be a child’s voice in court. Through the use of trained and supervised volunteers, abused and neglected children will have an advocate to represent their best interest, to advocate for resources and to help the legal system be more child-focused, one child at a time; so that a child’s right to a permanent and safe home is ensured.
What do CASA Volunteers do…
CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court. With support from CASA staff the volunteer serves in the following capacity:
FACILITATE
Establish a stable, one-on-one relationship with a child in foster care and get to know the child’s unique history.
INVESTIGATE
Gather information from anyone who can shed light on the child’s situation – teachers, foster parents, family members, physicians, etc.
MONITOR
Attend court proceedings (usually every six months) and make fact-based, informed and independent recommendation to the judge about what is in the child’s best interests.
ADVOCATE
Advocate for timeliness and permanency for children involved in juvenile court proceedings
PLAN GOALS
Help the child plan and develop age-appropriate goals.
SAFETY
Bring a sense of urgency to the child’s needs and promote safety
CARE
Ensure the child has access to needed medical, education, career, and housing services.
RESOLUTION
Remain involved until the case is permanently resolved to keep the focus on the child