Maryland CASA - Home

Maryland CASA Association is the state organization for Maryland’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Programs. In partnership with our fifteen affiliated CASA programs, we work to ensure every victim of child abuse and neglect their right to grow up in safe and permanent homes. This mission is carried out through the efforts of professionally-trained volunteers, appointed by the court to speak up for the best interests of children who are under the protection of the courts.

We hope you will join us on this mission! Whether you choose to become an advocate for a child, help with fundraising or public awareness activities, or make a financial investment in our work, we can always use your support!

Please explore our site to learn more about us and the many ways in which you can help children in need. Check back often to learn about upcoming events, volunteer training classes, fundraising activities, etc. You may also check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

Raise Your Voice for Abused and Neglected Children this April
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month – and our charge this month is to empower ordinary citizens in Maryland to take a stand against child abuse. 

Despite these disturbing realities, these children— like all children—deserve the chance to live in safe, loving and permanent homes free of abuse and neglect. To help us turn this tide, read below for three things you can do to help children. 

One: Be an Advocate. It is clear that the involvement of caring adults has a positive impact on children’s lives, especially those with multiple challenges. Consider becoming a volunteer advocate ( Court Appointed Special Advocate) for abused and neglected children. Review your daily schedule and begin to seriously consider free time that you can give to help children and families in your community. For many children, their CASA is the one consistent and caring adult in their lives.

Two: Lend Your Talents in Your Local Community. Be sure to ask your community leader, clergy, library and schools about available services, programs and activities for children. Whether it is an after school club, parent education class, mentoring and tutoring program, a crochet class or a youth football league, lend your expertise or passion for those most in need. From Hagerstown to Baltimore City to the Eastern Shore —there is a nearby activity and child eagerly waiting for you to get involved.

Three: Do Not Be Silent. Responsible adults must not stand by when children are abused or neglected. Reporting such behavior to the state’s protective services department or local police is our moral and ethical obligation to children. Click here for a list of local child protective services offices in Maryland. You can also visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway for information about laws in Maryland. To report suspected abuse or neglect, call Maryland’s Toll Free Child Abuse Report Hotline at 800-332-6347.

As advocates, acting as a community of volunteers that are deeply concerned and committed to being the voice for children, Child Abuse Prevention Month provides the opportunity to bring increased attention to this important issue and to renew our commitment to do all we can to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Click here to get started!

Team CASA Prepares for 4th Run in Baltimore Running Festival!

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, Team CASA will take to the streets of Baltimore to compete in the Under Armour® Balltimore Running Festival. Comprised of more than 170 CASA volunteers, staff and board members and other supporters who will participate in the full marathon, half marathon, team relay and 5K. Team CASA will raise public awareness and needed funds to support our efforts to serve every child who needs an advocate.  For more information or to register, please click here.

Get your CASA License Plates today!

Show your support for CASA everywhere you go with the new MD CASA license plate. Please click here for a larger image. Help us make CASA a household name by proudly displaying the CASA logo on your license plates and let everyone know that you speak up for children! To order your plates today, simply fill out the application for your new CASA plate by clicking here.