Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Mission Statement

"CASA's mission is to speak in the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA Volunteer Advocates help to assure each child a safe, permanent, and nurturing home."

Every year, thousands of reports of child abuse and neglect are recorded in Cumberland, Overton, Putnam, and Smith counties. Following investigation, hundreds will be substantiated. Sadly, the number of reports is just "the tip of the iceburg". The crime of child abuse is underreported because people are afraid to come forward report their suspicions-and the suffering continues.

This crime against the innocent occurs in families of all types, regardless of social status, wealth, race or national origin. Without the dedication of CASA Volunteer Advovates, these vulnerable children will enter a system without anyone to voice their needs and their wishes. No one focused on the best possible outcome for the child...

Court Appointed Special Advocates are solely for the child throughout the case. Sworn-in by the jodge, CVAs have the court's authority to interview physicians, educators, neighbors, anyone, with knowledge about the child's situation.

CASA Program Goals

• To recruit and train community volunteers to advocate for every Putnam, Overton, Cumberland and Smith County abused and neglected child.

• To provide ongoing training and support for CASA Volunteer Advocates (CVAs) who, appointed by the court, are authorized and equipped to conduct in-depth interviews on behalf of the court--with anyone having information that can lead to safe, permanent homes for the abused and neglected children they serve.

• To focus solely on the best possible outcome for the child.

• To ensure periodic Reports to the Court are submitted and available to the judge who will be making determinations about the child's future. The Report to the Court details and summarizes the CVA's independent investigations.

• To monitor the safety of the child's custodial environment through twice-monthly home visits.

• To provide a safe future with greater possibilities for abused and neglected children in Putnam, Cumberland, Overton and Smith counties.