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National CASA/GAL Association for Children

Cause Area

  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Children & Youth
  • Community

Location

100 W. Harrison, North Tower, suite 500Seattle, WA 98119 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The National CASA/GAL Association, together with state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

Description

The National CASA/GAL Association is a network of 1,000 program offices that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings. CASA/GAL volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA/GAL volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA/GAL volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care. Our vision to provide a volunteer for each and every abused and neglected child who needs one.

Reviews

Would you recommend National CASA/GAL Association for Children?
43 reviews Write a review
by D'Anne A. (December 7, 2020)
CASA is a wonderful way to change or influence a child's life for the better.
by Catherine B. from Stuyvesant, NY (April 26, 2020)
The mission of their organization.
by Celina G. (March 19, 2020)
I don’t have any other person to recommend volunteering to.
by Maurice A. from Prairie Farm, WI (March 4, 2020)
WE need to love and protect our children and also provide goal's for them to aim for. This organization help's with this.
by Rachel P. (December 22, 2019)
I volunteered for the organization for over 2 years and had to take personal leave of absence due to health issues. As a result of taking personal leave, I received an adverse performance appraisal and resigned. Very disappointed.
by Marla H. from MO (October 27, 2018)
You never realize how important these people are until your world’s upside down and there’s this angel by your side. Give away what you can whether tangible or spoken words and you’ll be blessed tenfold.
by Adara L. (June 8, 2018)
I was a CASA volunteer in Daytona Beach. I was told I would have a voice with the children assigned to me and that was simply false. DCF closed cases and returned children to unfit, sick parents without my consult. You must be willing to work within the bureaucratic nightmare because you can’t change it. My case worker at CASA was overwhelmed and not competent for the position. I wasn’t expecting to change the world but I was expecting to be a voice for, and advocate for, the children. It was an unrealistic expectation. Foster parents, at least the few with whom I worked, were out of the loop as well. Their input was not valued by DCF or the judges hearing the cases of these neglected souls. They weren’t consulted. I’m not surprised that CASA is hurting for volunteers. It’s a very noble concept, it just doesn’t work with DCF having so much power.
by Martina F. (June 4, 2018)
Provides the community with opportunities to serve their community.
by Araceli S. from Pomona, CA (April 14, 2018)
I would recommend this organization to a frind because it's a good organization to make a chand in a child's life.
by Brenda E. from Jersey city, NJ (January 15, 2018)
I have not heard from anyone regarding my submission to volunteer at this organization. I would like to hear from someone.
by Ginny F. (November 8, 2017)
This is single handedly the most rewarding volunteer experience I have ever had. It is a serious long term commitment and the training provided helps you understand the level of commitment required and gives you useful tools in understanding how to be most effective. By helping these children and engaging with the system I have learned a lot about myself and been infinitely rewarded by helping these children that are in difficult circumstances.
by Jessica D. (October 30, 2017)
I would like to clarify this. I have volunteered to this organization before. However, for unknown reasons. I have not had the opportunity to experience it. I would recommend it very likely for the objective is for a good cause in helping children in need and putting them in a better environment as well as resolving current issues they are being faced with.
by Penny H. (October 29, 2017)
Because this organization makes a huge difference in the lives of children that have been stymied by lack of parental guidance. If one can communicate well in writing reports to the court, then decisions can be made and lives can be changed and a powerful fashion.
by Veronica S. from Corona, NY (October 21, 2017)
I love this organization. Their dedication to helping those who cannot speak for themselves is inspiring. Please consider volunteering as the need is there.
by Jennifer T. from SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 12, 2017)
I would definitely recommend this organization to everyone I know. this agency is there for the children who need someone on their side. I have many friends who would love this opportunity and will let them know.
by skyy g. from houston, TX (September 11, 2017)
I will recommend this organization to my friend because it will help others who are in need of support and positive vibes around.And helping a friend probably get in a good college and other people seeing how they are supportive
by Vicky K. from Wesley Chapel, FL (September 3, 2017)
This has been the start of a rewarding experience. It has made me see things differently, learn that there is children needing the voice of an adult to look out for their best interests and having their wishes and voice be heard.
by Trish B. from Austin, TX (August 4, 2017)
No one ever contacted me after I expressed interest.
by Amanda ~ALEarts~ E. from Berthoud, CO (July 28, 2017)
schedule prevented my volunteer opportunity
by Wanda W. (January 21, 2017)
I have not volunteered with this organization yet. It was a recommendation from sources at the local Social services. I'm very elated to give back and help the children, that does not have a voice. My time and days are very flexible. Thank you
by Lequita S. from Tallahassee, FL (August 27, 2016)
I believe in a positive, loving, caring and supportive village.
by Maryanne W. from Clinton, TN (August 2, 2016)
Efficient, accurate and very good at matching individuals with interests and skills that will serve the community. I am impressed and wish I would have located them sooner!
by Sandy J. from Janesville, WI (July 26, 2016)
I have been a CASA volunteer for over two years and I have seen first hand the difference these caring individuals make. The children we serve have been abused and neglected and they just need someone in their corner. These children are innocent victims and they need someone who can focus on them, mentor them, and make sure they are getting what they need. As a CASA you can improve the life of a child who needs it most! Being a CASA has been the most rewarding experience of my life!
by Gail G. (February 19, 2016)
CASA does a fantastic job of helping abused and neglected children and makes a difference in people's lives in a way that few organizations are able to do. The personnel and trainers are top notch and help volunteers to understand the legal, social and emotional issues that children are coping with, as well as how the volunteer can impact their lives in a powerful way. Supervision is excellent so that a volunteer always has a person to check in with to get help or clarity. I cannot recommend this organization more strongly. Gail G.
by jennifer s. (February 5, 2016)
CASA of Yuma County is currently seeking volunteers who desire to help abused and neglected children. Please consider being the voice for an abused or neglected child's best interest in court. For more information please go to our website, www.CASAofYumaCounty.org
by Marthilde P. (January 22, 2016)
The administrator and facilitators of the training were knowledgeable and compassionate. You could tell they really wanted to be there and had a genuine heart to help any way they could.
by Rashida B. (January 6, 2016)
I was surprised to have to pay a nonrefundable $60 fingerprinting fee before being accepted as a match for the CASA program.
by Valerie C. (November 18, 2015)
People take cases from the court very serious. They are willing yo help when the courts get involved
by Melissa L. from Hamilton mi, MI (July 8, 2015)
This is my first time really doing any volunteer work in this way . That being said I would recomend a friend check this out because it seems like a great organization .
by Savannah H. from las vegas (June 2, 2015)
I have been with CASA of LV for almost a year now, and it has singlehandedly been the most rewarding experience of my life. The training and interviewing process is extensive, as it should be to protect the children. As a CASA I have been able to really get to know my kids and their needs and when I go to court I can let the judge know my opinion and the judges really seem to know that the CASA's only have one motive and that is to do what is best for the kids. Granted, it wont always go that way but at least the children's needs are being heard. CASA has a lot of connections and support, with CASA it really feels like less children are being " lost in the system. " It is quite the commitment and the last thing these children need is another person coming into their lives and leaving, so before thinking about becoming a CASa evaluate the events in your life, but if you have the time and the heart the children need you.
by Isabel s. (March 29, 2015)
Some of my friends like doing these kinds of things, just like me.
by Kharisma C. (November 11, 2014)
I am a CASA. This program is incredible. You are the only adult some of these children can trust. Volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate is worth every minute of training and dealing with caseworkers and parents. The bond you create with your CASA child or children is one you won't have with anyone else. These kids need you. They need a future too.
by Edith S. (November 2, 2013)
I personally know someone who grew up in foster care. She experienced negative foster care homes one after the other. It is surprising to know that she has made a huge success of herself as an adult, and that she in turn is a key player in a program where the focus is to improve the lives of foster kids. I can only imagine what it is like to be brought up in an un-nurtering way either by foster parents or biological parents who are just sort of unconscious of those positive nurturing ways in which to raise a child. I would like to play a positive role in a child's life, and possibly save a child from impending doom. CASA would give me that opportunity.
by Kristen P. from Roanoke, VA (April 25, 2013)
I am a CASA for Roanoke City and County and have handled two cases since completing training in spring, 2010. I was able to do this while working a full-time job and managing a family. There are lots of kids in situations with parents who are not equipped to take care of them and really need someone in their corner. A CASA gets to know everyone in the child's life to be able to make a recommendation in the court as to what's in that child's best interests. It's really rewarding to be able to help a child in need through a complex and confusing process.
by Dawn B. from Holley, NY (November 20, 2012)
CASA of Genesee County, NY is one of the best organizations! The Director is fanatastic! I have never felt the satisfaction of a job as much as I do since working with CASA. If you have time to volunteer and help, please do! We are funded solely by fundraisers or grants. There is no county or state-wide funding available so the time one volunteers is greatly appreciated! There are so many more kids we can help with more volunteers.
by janet b. (February 8, 2012)
I am currently in CASA training and after volunteering other places I've still felt disconnected, as if I wasn't helping 'my cause'. CASA has filled that void as I know that working as a CASA is a gift from God and that He is using the unique gifts He gave me for greater good. Having the opportunity to be an advocate for a hurt child is truly a gift and will not only, hopefully, make the life of a child better, but mine as well. Children are rays of light and I am honored to be able to serve them in this role as to aid in their rehabilitation after trauma. CASA of Lexington staff is amazing and the training is great. thanks Lexington CASA for all that you do.
by KRISTYNA W. from NEENAH, WI (August 5, 2011)
I love the staff that work with CASA of Brown County - it's a great place to volunteer!
by Teresa B. (May 30, 2011)
As a therapist and counselor in a residential facility with court placed children I have seen CASA members facilitate and advocate for children. Often the CASA worker is the only person that really knows the child and takes the time to find out what is in their best interest. They are the voice the child doesn't have.
by maureen c. (April 18, 2011)
I think this is a wonderful organization because so many of our children do not have a voice and with someone in their corner willing to fight for their rights is always a blessing!
by sabrina a. (February 5, 2011)
I have many friends that have ambition, compassion, and a compelling sense of responsibility to give back to society, but they don't know where to go for the help needed to match their interest with an organization. I stumbled across your website by accident, and found a tremendous relief that there is a program that fills the "void" I have been longing to fill for so long. A descriptive, and precise way to match my interests with an organization.

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