What Is the CASA Movement?

Volunteers Throughout the Country Advocating for Abused and Neglected Children

In 1977, a Seattle Superior Court Judge named David Soukup was concerned about trying to make decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to speak up for the best interests of these children in court. He made a request for volunteers; 50 citizens responded, and that was the start of the CASA movement.

Today, there are more than 68,000 advocates serving in 1,018 state and local program offices nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children.

Since the inception of CASA advocacy, volunteers have helped more than 2 million children find safe, permanent homes in which they can thrive.

CASA Volunteers Make a Difference in the Lives of Children

Independent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of CASA volunteers in improving outcomes for children in care. A 2006 audit by the US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General found that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care. In addition, they receive more services. Read more findings from the report and other research.

Read the stories of youth helped by CASA volunteers:

• Lauren's Story
• Pamela's Story
  
     Hear children and volunteers talk about the importance of volunteer advocacy in the National CASA video, Unpacking Hope.

Meet foster care alumni whose lives were dramatically changed by a CASA volunteer in the video, Make a Lifelong Difference.