Court Appointed Special Advocate

Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, and nurturing homes. Too many spend years moving from one temporary home to another. They are more likely than other children to face homelessness, unemployment, and even prison as adults. That's where CASA steps in: Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Volunteers work with child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. There are 941 state organizations and local programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia with nearly 88,000 volunteers nationwide. More volunteers are needed. Join the movement and apply to become a child advocate!

Providing compassionate, individualized attention to help each child find a safe, permanent home is a CASA volunteer's sole purpose. By visiting with the children and meeting with teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers, foster parents and family members, CASA volunteers offer neutral recommendations for what is in the child's best interest. The result is that a child has a voice in court and is placed into a safe, loving home where they can thrive.

Watch our video to learn more: What Does A CASA/GAL Volunteer Do?