Frequently Asked Questions
What is C.A.S.A?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A) is a trained volunteer who is
appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of a child currently
under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency court.
What is the C.A.S.A Volunteer's Role?
A C.A.S.A volunteer provides a judge with recommendations that help the court make
a sound decision about that child’s future. Each case is as unique as the child
involved.
How does a C.A.S.A volunteer investigate a case?
To Prepare a court report, the C.A.S.A volunteer talks with the child, parents,
family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others
who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The C.A.S.A volunteer also reviews
all records pertaining to the child, i.e. school, medical, caseworker reports
and other documents.
Is there a "typical" C.A.S.A volunteer?
C.A.S.A volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional,
educational and ethnic backgrounds. Aside from their C.A.S.A volunteer work, 85%
are employed in regular full-time jobs. Two-thirds of the volunteers nationwide
are women, one-third are men.
How much time does it require?
A C.A.S.A volunteer usually spends about 10-15 hours per month.
How does a C.A.S.A volunteer differ from a social service caseworker?
Social workers are generally employed by state or county governments. They
sometimes work on as many as 40 to 50 cases at a time and are frequently unable
to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each case. The C.A.S.A worker is a
volunteer with more time and a smaller caseload (on the average 1 to 2). The
C.A.S.A volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he or she is an
independent appointee of the court.
How does a C.A.S.A volunteer differ from an attorney?
The C.A.S.A volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That
is the role of the attorney.
Do Lawyers, judges and social caseworkers support C.A.S.A?
Yes. Juvenile and Family Court Judges implement the C.A.S.A program in all of their
courtrooms and appoint the volunteers.
How many C.A.S.A programs are there?
There are now more than 900 C.A.S.A programs in all 50 states, with more than
38,000 volunteers. In California, there are currently 40 programs.
Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same
service?
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but C.A.S.A is the only program
where volunteers are appointed by the court to have the specific responsibility
of looking after the child’s best interest.
