Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)

CASAs are volunteers trained to advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and are under the protection of the court. The volunteers are appointed by the judge and meet regularly with the child, review records, and talk to family members and professionals involved in the child's case. They report information to the judge, make recommendations to promote the child's best interests, and monitor compliance with the court's orders until the child has been placed in a safe, permanent home.

There are CASA programs in every state (more than 980 programs nationwide) and 23 programs serving 77 counties in Kansas. Douglas County CASA has served nearly 1000 children since 1991 and currently serves more than 130 children each year.

Due to the rise of child abuse and neglect cases in our area, there are dozens of children still waiting for a CASA volunteer.