Court Appointed Special Advocates are community volunteers who are specially trained to understand the juvenile court system and the policies and procedures of the Department of Human Services. They are appointed by a Marion County Juvenile Court Judge to investigate the cases of abused and neglected children who are wards of the court. CASA Advocates keep the Judge informed of the child's health and welfare by offering carefully researched, objective and unbiased information about the child, upon which the Judge can base a decision that is truly in the child's best interest.
The CASA continues with a child's case until it is closed, ensuring the child's safety throughout the process, and keeping the child welfare and juvenile justice system alert to the child's needs.