Delaware County CASA Program

Description

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was created in 1977 to represent abused and neglected children. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for these children's best interests. CASA's get to know each child in their case, their parents, placement, DCS Case Manager, and service providers.

Following 30 hours of initial training, CASA's are prepared to take their first case. Upon assignment to a case, CASA's interview the child, family members, foster family or relative placement, teachers, social worker, and other interested parties to determine the facts. CASA’s communicate their findings and recommendations to the court in written reports and testimony. Reports state the facts about the child’s current status and parent’s progress in remediating the causes the led to their child(ren)’s placement under the wardship of the Department of Child Services.