Become a CASA.

What is a CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, or CASAs, are highly trained court-sworn advocates who look out for the best interests of children or a group of siblings who are in child protective proceedings due to abuse or neglect by parents or guardians. 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 youngster’s future. The assessment and recommendations CASAs make can have an enormous difference in the lives of neglected children. Read more about what a CASA is here.

Your Role as a CASA

As a court-sworn officer of the Court, you’ll provide the Court with your assessment of your young charge’s life – things like their physical, mental, and emotional well-being as well as your assessment of his or her best interests for a safe, permanent living environment. 

You’ll meet with your assigned child and others involved in his or her life. As you do your work, you’ll hang out with your CASA child and may even take them for excursions like field trips, playground visits, restaurants, and other fun activities. As you do, you’ll observe, gather, and document information, facts, and your recommendations to help the Court determine what is in the best interests of the kid/s you’re assigned to. Read more about the CASA role in detail.

Becoming a CASA

To become a CASA, you’ll need to fill out an application, then go through some extensive training to help you best protect your precious charges. Once trained, you’ll be appointed and sworn in by the Kalamazoo County Ninth Circuit Court to serve in your CASA role officially. Before you apply, here are some important questions to think about.