What We Do
CASA of Marion County recruits, trains, and supports dedicated volunteer advocates who speak up for children experiencing abuse and neglect in our community. Working in partnership with the Marion County Circuit Court and child welfare professionals, we ensure every child we serve has a consistent, caring voice focused on their best interests. Through compassionate advocacy, we strive to help every child achieve safety, permanency, and the opportunity to thrive.
What is a CASA?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a highly trained community volunteer appointed by a Marion County Circuit Court judge to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers serve as a consistent voice for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings, ensuring their needs, safety, and well-being remain the court's priority.
We want to give a huge Thank you to Texas CASA for allowing us to use their amazing video above to help us explain the role of a CASA.
How is CASA Different?
How Is a CASA Volunteer Different from a Child Protective Services Worker?
Child Protective Services (CPS) workers have many responsibilities and often manage large caseloads. A CASA volunteer is assigned to only one child or sibling group at a time, allowing them to spend more time getting to know the child and understanding their individual needs. CASA volunteers work alongside CPS, not in place of them, and provide an independent perspective focused solely on the child's best interests.
How Is a CASA Volunteer Different from an Attorney?
Attorneys provide legal representation for the parties involved in a case. A CASA volunteer does not provide legal advice or represent anyone in court. Instead, the volunteer serves as the court's eyes and ears by gathering information, monitoring the child's well-being, and making recommendations that help judges make informed decisions.
How is a CASA different from a Guardian ad Litem?
Although both a CASA volunteer and a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) are appointed by the court and work to protect children involved in abuse and neglect cases, their roles are both different and complementary. A Guardian ad Litem is a licensed attorney appointed to represent the child's best interests in court. The GAL provides legal advocacy by filing motions, examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal recommendations to the judge. Together, they help ensure the court has a complete picture of the child's circumstances so informed decisions can be made in the child's best interests.
Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same service?
No. CASA is the only organization in Marion County whose volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate solely for a child's best interests. While we work collaboratively with judges, attorneys, CPS workers, foster families, educators, and service providers, our volunteers remain independent advocates whose focus is always the child. Together, our volunteers, staff, and community partners help ensure that every child has a voice, every voice is heard, and every child has the opportunity for a safe, permanent, and hopeful future.
The Core of CASA Advocacy
CASA volunteers provide best-interest advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They learn about the child’s circumstances, engage through regular visits, collaborate with those involved in the child’s life, and report their observations to the court.
Most importantly, CASAs recommend what is in the child’s best interest, providing a consistent, dedicated voice throughout the case.
A Consistent Voice Through Every Change
When a child enters foster care, many people and circumstances may change. A CASA volunteer provides consistency through the uncertainty—building a relationship with the child, communicating with those involved in the case, and advocating in court.
Through every transition, the CASA remains focused on one goal: helping the child reach a safe, permanent home.
So What do CASA Volunteers Actually Do?
CASA volunteers make sure children's essential needs are not being overlooked while in care. We will talk to the children to help them understand what is happening and what to expect on an age-appropriate level. We can answer questions about the child welfare system and court process. We can help facilitate access to services and community resources. We want to ensure that every child has the right to learn, grow, and be treated with dignity and respect.
What to Expect From a CASA Volunteer
Over the course of the court proceeding, the CASA volunteers appointed to the child/children will carry out many responsibilities. They will:
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Observe visitation between parents and the child/children (on a case-by-case basis.)
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Schedule monthly home visits with parents, foster parents, or kinship provider to meet with the child and caregivers, interact with the child, identify needs the child might have, and learn about the child's wishes at an age-appropriate level.
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Attend the MDT meetings and voice his/her opinion.
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Attend all court hearings in regard to the child's case and provide written court reports to the court.
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Contact the foster parent or kinship parent, any biological parents, the DHS caseworker, the attorneys, the Guardian ad litem, and any social service proved utililzed throughout the case.
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