CASA began in Seattle in the late 1970s to advocate for abused and neglected children facing a cold justice system. Today, there are approximately 50,000 CASA volunteers across the US, supporting approximately 225,000 children. CASA provides training, technical assistance, and helps recruit volunteers. The US Department of Justice provides a large portion of CASA’s operating grants, but also relies heavily on private funding. To become a CASA volunteer, you must undergo a background check and a 30-hour training course, and commit to supporting the child for the duration of the case.
The National Court-appointed Special Advocates Association (CASA) began in a Seattle courtroom in the late 1970s. Judge David Soukup realized that many abused and neglected children faced a cold and impersonal justice system, with only overworked social workers and lawyers defending their interests. In 1977, he suggested that community volunteers step up and agree to advocate for children who can’t speak for themselves. Eventually, the US Congress agreed, and in 1990 passed the Victims of Child Abuse Act, which helped expand the program.
Today there are approximately 50,000 CASA volunteers across the country supporting approximately 225,000 children who are facing a difficult path within the family justice system. While the work they do is immeasurable, they can only account for about half of the total number of children in the system. In all, over 1 million children have benefited from the CASA system since its inception.
Each trained CASA volunteer commits to around 10 hours a week of volunteering and agrees to stay with the child for the duration of the case, which typically lasts around a year and a half. More than 900 local CASA offices — operating under a variety of different names such as Child Advocates, Voices for Children and Guardian ad Litem — operate locally to advocate for children.
At the national level, CASA works to design training opportunities based on the research they conduct. They also provide eLearning programs to better train CASA volunteers. In addition to training, the national CASA provides technical assistance and helps recruit volunteers. Help raise public awareness by crafting media campaigns and public service announcements across a range of media.
The US Department of Justice provides a large portion of CASA’s operating grants, but also relies heavily on other private funding. One of the functions of the national CASA is to help obtain funding for local CASA offices as well. Those who donate to CASA will feel confident that their money will be put to good use: 90 cents of every dollar donated will go directly to the operation of CASA.
To become a CASA volunteer, you must first undergo a background check. Upon approval, you will have a 30 hour training course and must devote as much time as necessary to successfully support the child you have been assigned to. CASA takes this commitment very seriously: your child depends a lot on your commitment and your willingness to stay by his side from start to finish.
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