CASA means Court Appointed Special Advocate. Since its creation by a juvenile court judge in Seattle, Washington, CASA has become one of the most effective advocacy programs of its kind. Today there are almost 950 CASA programs in 49 states. With more than 96,000 volunteers across the country, we are all committed to the rights of every child in the foster care and child welfare system.

CASA Volunteers spend significantly more time with children than a paid Guardian ad Litem (GAL).

A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a member of the community. We specially train volunteers to advocate in court for the best interest of children who have experience in Ohio's child welfare system. CASA Volunteers are assigned to a child for the duration of a case, usually lasting a year or two. The average time spent in care is two years, during which they may change residences as many as three times — which is why CASA Volunteer work is so important.

The time is now: Each move means new foster parents or a new kinship placement, and often a new school. CASA Volunteers frequently become the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life. Our volunteers not only advocate for a safe home, but for educational and mental health resources. Because child welfare systems are constantly overloaded, CASA Volunteers may be the only adults who are part of the child’s life for a meaningful amount of time. More than 16,000 children in Ohio are currently in foster or kinship care.

The mission, vision, and role of Ohio CASA: Ohio CASA is a 501(c)(3) corporation that provides support to local CASA programs and their volunteers. Ongoing support includes training, funding, leadership, quality assurance, and management assistance. We have been working for more than 20 years to ensure safety and a permanent home for Ohio’s children. Today, 46 CASA Programs serve children in 57 Ohio counties.