About CASA

What Is a Court Appointed Special Advocate
A Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a Judge to represent the best interest of a child in Court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in Juvenile Court. Most of the children are victims of abuse and/or neglect.

The Challenge
Every year, the state of Texas removes thousands of children from their homes because of abuse or neglect. These victimized children are drawn into an overburdened child welfare system that is hard pressed to address their individualized concerns. In 2003, 50,208 children were confirmed as victims of child abuse or neglect in Texas, and 32,900 of those children were taken into Child Protective Services (CPS) custody. They are innocent victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. They belong to no one as they silently wait for the court to decide their future. All of these children are in need of safety and a permanent and loving home.