CASA 101

What is CASA?

CASA is an achronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates. In some programs, the volunteer advocates assume the role of a lay GAL (Guardian ad litem).

CASA History

The first CASA program was created in 1977 by Seattle judge, David Soukup. 

National CASA and the Network

Founded in 1982, the National CASA Association is a membership organization with over 1000 CASA/GAL state and local program offices serving 70,919 volunteers advocating for 237,095 children. The home office of National CASA is located in Seattle, WA with additional staff working from remote offices in eight states.  

Standards

National CASA implemented the Standards for Local CASA/GAL Programs in 1998 and in 2002, a Quality Assurance Self Assessment process was established to monitor each program's compliance with those Standards.  Member CASA/GAL programs are required to review compliance every 4 years. Follow this link to access the standards:  Local Program Standards

Who Are CASA/GAL Volunteers?

CASA/GAL volunteers are trained advocates who are assigned to report to the court on behalf of the child who has been a victim of abuse or neglect. Volunteers come from all walks of life; all ages and diversities, with close to half working at full time jobs. Every CASA volunteer receives training and support from local program staff, who have professional backgrounds in the legal and child welfare fields. 

Screening

Pursuant to National CASA Local Program Standards, all staff and volunteers are required to pass an application and screening process that includes a check of the national and state criminal records, state child protective services and sex offender registry. A personal interview and reference check is also required. 

Training

National CASA  Local Program Standards require all member programs to provide a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training for new volunteers. These trainings often utilize the National CASA Pre-Service Volunteer Curriculum; a thorough collection of information vital to working within the juvenile court system and understanding the complexities of the social service system as well as the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.  Volunteers are also required to complete at least 12 hours of ongoing training per year to stay current on information vital to their roles.

CASA Role

CASA volunteers spend most of their time in contact with a child, handling only one to two cases at a time. To a child, that means a consistent and caring adult presence in his or her life.

Judges, attorneys, child welfare worker and parents report that CASA volunteers make a difference with the children they serve.

For more information on programs in the network, see our Annual Program Survey.  For information on program development, see Guide to New Program Development   For information on program development, see Guide to New Program Development and Achieving Our Mission".