NCJ Number
111909
Date Published
1984
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video defines the role, explains the benefits, and provides startup suggestions for court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in which trained volunteers act as factfinders and advocates in child abuse cases.
Abstract
Comments from judges emphasize how growing caseloads prevent attorneys and social workers from giving each child abuse case the individual treatment it needs. Judge David Soukup describes how he started the first CASA program in Seattle, with endorsements from the National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and funding from the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation. Representatives from these organizations discuss the benefits of CASA programs, notable that volunteers often prevent children from being lost in the foster care system. Also examined are initial resistance from judges and social workers who see CASA proposals as a condemnation of the system, volunteer training, and the attorney-CASA volunteer relationship. In giving advice regarding startup, Judge Soukup emphasizes that leadership must come from the Judiciary. Interviews with CASA volunteers and other judges highlight the program's successes. Documents on starting a CASA program are suggested.