Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a national association in the United States that supports and promotes court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children. CASA are volunteers from the community who complete training that has been provided by the state or local CASA office. They are appointed by a judge, and their role is to gather information and make recommendations in the best interest of the child, keeping the child's personal wishes in mind.

I (Becky)have served as a CASA for 7 years. In the course of advocating for the child, I start by getting to know the child. Then I gather as much information about them, their families, and their situation as possible. I speak with family, friends, teachers, medical professionals, law enforcement, foster parents and collect police reports, medical records and school records. All this information should give me the information I need to then write a report to the judge with the goal of making a recommendation as to what is in the best interest of the child as the judge determines custody. I also maintain close contact with the child to make sure all their needs are being met.

 (Greene county)