About Us

CASA's History

The nation's first Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program
was created in Seattle, Washington in 1977 by Superior Court
Judge David Soukup, who wanted to make sure he and other
judges were making the best possible decisions about the lives of
abused and neglected children. He conceived of the idea of
recruiting adult citizens and training them to serve as advocates for
children who came before the court as a result of abuse or neglect.

In Maryland, the first CASA program began in 1987. Since then
thirteen additional programs have started throughout the State. To
see a list of all the CASA programs in Maryland, click here.

As a judge, I had to make
tough decisions. I had to
decide whether to take a
child from the only home
he's ever known, or leave
him someplace where he
might possibly be abused.
I needed someone who
could tell me what was best
for that child – from the
child's viewpoint. That's
what CASA does.

Former Superior Court
Judge David Soukup
Founder of CASA

CASA has been a tremendous asset to the
court and the children. The Juvenile Court is
here for the best interests of the children, and
CASA makes it easier for me to carry out that
directive.

The Honorable William H. Adkins, III
Circuit Court for Talbot County, MD