CASA

What is CASA?
     CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child-foster care, reunification or adoption and in a more timely fashion, so these children still have a chance at a childhood.

     CASA programs can help a displaced child find the security he or she needs to grow and reach full potential. Studies show that:

     Abused and neglected children who have CASA volunteers have a better chance of living in safe, permanent and loving homes than children who do not have volunteers.

     CASA involvement often reduces the number of times a child is moved from foster home to foster home.

      CASA cases are more likely to be reviewed on a regular basis by the court.

     A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to receive treatment through community services. CASA programs save tax dollars.

How do local Theta organizations get involved with local CASA programs?
     College and alumnae chapters/clubs help by raising money for CASA programs, providing office support, making toys or items for CASA children, hostessing events for CASA children or by becoming CASA volunteers themselves.

     Contact the National CASA Association at 1-800-628-3233 or Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters at 1-800-526-1870 to find out the name and address of the CASA program closest to you. CASA programs can be found in all 50 states. CASA programs are known locally as Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates, Prokids, FOCAS and Voices for Children.

What does Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation do to support CASA?
     The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation gives an annual grant to the National Association ($60,000 in 1998-99) to support their toll free number, educational materials and displays for volunteers, and the Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year. Dollars contributed by generous individuals and chapters/clubs to the annual fund drive conducted by the Foundation go to support the grant to CASA as well as the educational grant to the Fraternity.

How can I learn more about CASA?
     Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters has copies of the video (produced with a grant from the Foundation) "One Child at a Time" available for use to share with your chapter/club. Please call 800-526-1870 and ask to purchase a copy. The Foundation also has a limited number of informational brochures about CASA available to you upon request. Staff members of the Development Department at Headquarteres would be happy to assist you in putting together a presentation or materials concerning CASA.