Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lane County

Description

CASA recruits, trains and supports community volunteers to research and then advocate for the best interests of a child. When children are removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, they are placed in an overburdened system where they can slip through the cracks. Court Appointed Special Advocates have the power to prevent this tragic reality. CASA volunteers work with only 1-2 cases at a time, so they can thoroughly investigate and keep current with each child's situation. CASA volunteers serve as fact finders for the judge by researching the background of each assigned case. They speak for the child in the courtroom, representing the child's best interests, and continue to act as a watchdog for the child until that child is in a safe, permanent home. For many children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence advocating for them personally.