That's where CASA comes in. Concerned over making decisions about abused and neglected children's lives without sufficient information, a Seattle judge conceived the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of these children in court. So successful was this program that soon judges across the county began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1990, the U.S. congress encouraged the expansion of CASA with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act. Today more than 800 CASA programs are in operation.
CASA volunteers work for the court.
They serve as the eyes and ears, gathering relevant information about the child. CASA volunteers interview anyone who might be able to shed light on the case. They then appear in court to recommend to the judge what decision is in the child's best interest. CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. Many work full-time.