We are a dedicated, hard-working band of advocates who fight for the abused and neglected children of our county.
We are Kalamazoo CASA.
We are their voice. We foster hope. We change lives.
As a program of the Ninth Circuit Court – Family Division, Kalamazoo CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains and supports volunteers who advocate for kids who are in child protective proceedings due to abuse or neglect by parents or guardians.
Each year, nearly 2,000 children across the county are referred to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services due to allegations of neglect and/or abuse.
Our highly trained CASA volunteers are sworn to look out for the best interests of these children as they make their way through the court system as guardians of the court.
They objectively assess all persons, places, and things affecting each child's life and present first-hand information and independent recommendations to the court to help judges make the very best decisions about each child’s future. Make no mistake: the assessment and recommendations made by CASA volunteers can have an enormous difference in the life of a neglected child
No other organization does what we do in Kalamazoo County: providing what may be the only opportunity for these children to overcome their family traumas and build a new life.
Kelly Kucinich, Director