Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Child Advocate, otherwise known as a CASA, is appointed by a judge to be an independent voice in court for an abused or neglected child.

The Advocate provides the judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. The Advocate must determine if it is in the best interest of the child to live with the parent(s), remain in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The Advocate makes a recommendation about placement to the court, and follows through until the case is permanently resolved. Advocates work closely with, but independent of, Child Protective Services (CPS) and attorneys. The role of the Advocate is:

1. To be a fact-finder for the judge
2. To speak for the child in court, representing the child’s best interest
3. To continue to act as a “watchdog” for the child during the life of the case, ensuring that the child’s needs are met and the case is resolved swiftly and appropriately

Advocates talk with the child, parents, family members, caseworkers, school officials, health providers, therapists, and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. Advocates review school, medical, and caseworker reports, as well as other documents regarding the child during the year the child’s in foster care.

Caseworkers handle 40 to 60 cases on average, whereas a CASA has no more than three cases at a time. Often, caseworkers do not have the time to conduct as in-depth an investigation as the Advocate can. Because Advocates are volunteers, frequently they are perceived as less adversarial by the families and can elicit more cooperation and information than the state’s caseworkers. This information, along with knowledge of community resources, allows the CASA to make a recommendation to the court independent of state agency restrictions and can elicit more cooperation and information than the state's or private agencies caseworkers.

The Advocate does not provide legal representation in the courtroom; that is the role of the attorney. A Child Advocate, however, speaks specifically to what is in the best interest of the child. Advocates provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. Attorneys may or may not be paid for their services, whereas a CASA is a volunteer position.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, representing a variety of cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. What they have in common is the belief that children deserve a safe and permanent home. Advocates must be at least 21 years of age and pass a background check. They also must have a high school diploma, valid driver’s license and good driving record, proof of automobile insurance, reliable transportation, and the ability to be both compassionate and objective. To learn more about these requirements, visit the Volunteering section of our website.

Advocates offer the children what no one else can: consistency and continuity in the midst of all the chaos the children are experiencing. In the course of a typical case, a child will experience several foster placements, new schools, caseworker turnover, and ONE Advocate. The trust that is built allows the Advocate to encourage the children to express their feelings and to feel safe. All the while the Advocates remain objective observers. Advocates explain to the child the events that are happening, why they are in foster care, and the roles the judge, attorneys, and caseworkers play.

Each case is different, of course, but most cases require going to court two or three times during each six-month period to present a report with recommendations to the judge. More time is spent on a case when it is first assigned, as this is the more intensive fact-finding stage. As the case moves toward resolution, cases require less time - about 12 to 15 hours per month.

CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice. CASA is described as “the eyes and ears of the judge,” and frequently acts as “the arms and legs” of an overworked child protective system.

Children who have been abused and neglected and have become wards of the court are assigned a Child Advocate. Our goal is to provide an Advocate to every child who needs one. Funding will make or break this goal.

No. CASA of Kent County is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests.

We rely on grants and donations from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

CASA of Kent County conducts numerous training classes a year. The introductory 30-hour course provides Advocates with an overview of courtroom procedures from judges, lawyers, and caseworkers. Advocates also are educated about specific topics ranging from symptoms and effects of abuse and neglect to early childhood development and cultural diversity. Lastly, an additional 12 hours a year of continuing education is required for each CASA volunteer.