CASA in Newton & McDonald Counties
About Us
Our Mission
The mission of the NewMac Court Appointed Advocates (CASA), together with our local communities, is to provide advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can grow and prosper in safe, permanent homes. We work through and with the court system to provide advocates for children in foster care.
History of the CASA Program
In 1977, Seattle Superior Court Judge, David Soukup, was concerned about making decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He had the idea of appointing community volunteers to speak up for the best interests of these children in court. He made a request for volunteers—Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Fifty citizens responded, and that was the start of the CASA movement.
So, what is CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Here's what that looks like:
LEARN
Learn all you can about the child and their family and life.
ENGAGE
Engage with the child during regular visits.
RECOMMEND
Speak up for the child's best interests in court. Make recommendations regarding the child's placement and needed services, and monitor the child's situation until the case is released by the court.
COLLABORATE
Collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided and in the child's best interest.
REPORT
Report what you have learned and what you have observed to the Juvenile Court Judge on the child's case.
CASA Volunteers visit their children at least once a month, attend court and Family Support Team meetings, and visit with people who know the child. The information that the volunteer learns is then submitted to the presiding Judge on the child’s case, in the form of a court report, to help inform the court about a child’s wishes and well-being.
CASA Volunteers form special bonds with their children and create a relationship of consistency, trust, and communication. Whereas Caseworkers, Guardians ad Litem, and Juvenile Officers have many children and families with whom they work, CASA Volunteers are only required to work with one child or sibling group