faq

Find the answers to frequently asked questions
about CASA:

What is the CASA volunteer's role?

A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched
background of the child to help the court make a sound decision
about that child's future. Each home placement case is as unique
as the child involved. The CASA volunteer must determine if it is in a
child's best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be
placed in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA
volunteer makes a recommendation on placement to the judge, and
follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.

How does a CASA volunteer research a case?

To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the
child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials,
health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’
s history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to
the child – school, medical and case worker reports, and other
documents.

How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social worker?

In Maryland, social workers are generally employed by the county
government's Department of Social Services (DSS). They
sometimes are responsible for as many as 30 or more cases at a
time, which limits the time they have to spend with each child. The
CASA works with only one child or 2-3 siblings at a time and,
therefore, has more time to research each child's individual needs.
The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he
or she is an independent appointee of the court assigned to
thoroughly research the child's case, explore community resources,
and make a recommendation to the court independent of agency
restrictions.

How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?

The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the
courtroom. That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA
volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists
attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that,
while the attorney is required to represent the child's wishes -
whatever they are -- the CASA volunteer advocates for what is in the
child's best interest.

Is there a "typical" CASA volunteer?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of
professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more
than 50,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Local programs vary in the
number of active volunteers. 52 percent are employed in regular full-
time jobs; the majority tends to be professionals. 82% of the
volunteers nationwide are women; 18% are men.

How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she
represents?

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex
legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are
happening, the reason they are in court, and the roles the judge,
lawyers, and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage
the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while
remaining objective observers.

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How many cases on average does a CASA volunteer carry at a
time?

Most CASAs serve only one to two children at a time.

How are CASA volunteers screened?

Prospective volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process that
involves personal interviews, reference checks, state and federal
criminal background checks, Child Abuse Registry checks and a
post-training assessment. Only volunteers who have the time,
interest, ability and commitment to serve as a CASA are selected.

How much training do CASA volunteers receive?

Volunteers receive 30-45 hours of training, which includes both
classroom instruction and courtroom observation. Training is
conducted by CASA staff as well as attorneys, mental health
professionals and representatives of the Department of Social
Services and other collaborative agencies. In addition, CASA
volunteers must complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.

How are CASA volunteers supervised?

CASA volunteers have regularly scheduled case conferences with a
professional staff member of the CASA program as well as frequent
telephone consultation. Some programs conduct a monthly support
group for volunteers in addition to the monthly in-service training
provided. CASA staff members are experienced child welfare
professionals.

How effective have CASA programs been?

Several studies have shown that children who have been assigned
CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time
within the foster care system than those who do not have CASA
representation. Judges have observed that CASA children also have
better chances of finding permanent homes than children without
CASAs.

How much time does it require?

Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10
hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first
court appearance. More complicated cases may take longer. Once
initiated into the system, volunteers contribute an average of ten
hours a month.

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How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?

The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One
of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other
court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a
consistent figure in the proceedings, and provides continuity for a
child.

Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same
service?

No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the
only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to
represent a child's best interests.

What children are assigned CASA volunteers?

CASA volunteers are assigned to children who are victims of abuse
and neglect and are the subject of dependency proceedings in
Maryland's juvenile and family courts.

What is the role of the Maryland CASA Association?

Maryland CASA Association is a private nonprofit organization that
supports the development, growth and continuation of CASA
programs. Maryland CASA assists communities in starting CASA
programs, provides technical assistance to local CASA programs,
promotes accountability and consistency among programs and
increases public awareness of CASA statewide.

How is CASA funded?

Twelve of Maryland's CASA programs are private, nonprofit
organizations; two operate under the court or county government.
The State of Maryland provides partial funding for CASA programs,
which must be matched dollar-for-dollar with other funds. Some
county governments provide partial funding or in kind support for
CASA. The National CASA Association provides start-up and
expansion grants for new and existing programs. CASA programs
raise the bulk of their funds from private foundations, fund raising
events and contributions. Maryland CASA Association is funded by
grants from the National CASA Association, the State of Maryland -
Administrative Office of the Courts, corporate and individual
donations and fundraising events.

Does the federal government support CASA?

CASA is a priority project of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) and the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are also
supporters of CASA.

Do state and local government support CASA?

The State of Maryland passed legislation in 1989 that defines the
purpose of the CASA program, the role of the Court Appointed
Special Advocate, and allows the Governor to include funds in the
budget to operate the program. Local government in several
counties provides financial or in kind support for local programs.

Do lawyers, judges and social workers support CASA?

CASA volunteers work in partnership with the social worker, attorney
and other professionals involved in the child's life. CASA has been
endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Bar
Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court
Judges. Maryland's judges are strong supporters of CASA.

How can I find the CASA program in my community?

Go to the Programs page to find the program nearest to you.
Outside Maryland, go to the National CASA web site or call (800)
628-3233.

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