CASAs are community-based volunteers who are appointed by judges to serve in child abuse and neglect cases.  Once assigned to a child, the volunteer researches the child's case, reviews documents, interviews relevant people, and makes a report to the court as to what is in the best interest of the child in terms of services, placement, visitation, reunification, and permanency.

CASAs are objective, community volunteers who are not part of the child welfare system, who focus their efforts solely on gathering information and making recommendations regarding children in abuse, neglect, or dependency cases who would otherwise have no voice. 

CASA volunteers monitor the child's situation while they are in foster care and/or extended families' homes to make sure they are safe and that their psychological, physical, educational and other needs are met.  Volunteers are often the only constant the child knows as he/she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.  CASA stays with the child until they have a safe and permanent home and often stay in touch afterward because of the relationship they have developed.  Because volunteers only have one or two cases at a time they typically have a depth of information that other parties may not have.  We form a bond with the children and stay with them.  Our national motto is "I am for the Child."