About Us

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. All of the children are victims of abuse and neglect, and have been removed from their homes. Children helped by CASAs include those for whom placement is being determined in circuit court.

CASA volunteers research the child’s circumstances, determine relevant facts in a child’s case and report this information to the court. Their work helps to support the court’s decision concerning the child’s future. A CASA volunteer focuses his or her recommendations and actions to ensure the best interests of the child are being met. A CASA will also monitor a case—making sure that the services ordered are actually provided and that the court is informed of any new developments. Every case is unique, but a CASA often must recommend to the court whether or not a child should be reunified with his or her biological parents, be placed in foster care, or be available for adoption with another family. Though the final decision always rests with the judge, a CASA volunteer does his or her best to inform the court as an independent and objective voice for the child. The CASA is the child’s voice in the courtroom.

To prepare recommendations, a CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, caseworkers, school officials, health providers and others who have knowledge of the child’s history. A CASA volunteer observes interactions between the child and parent, visits the parent’s home, and reviews documents and case-related material (i.e. school records, medical records, child services records, etc.) pertaining to the child. Collectively, the information gathered is analyzed in order to form a recommendation. In other words, a CASA talks with people that may have a “piece” of information that helps give the Judge the “big picture” so he or she has a better understanding of the child and his or her life to make more informed decisions for the child’s best interest in obtaining safe, permanent homes, as quickly as possible.

In West Virginia, social workers are generally employed by the county government’s Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). They sometimes are responsible for as many as 30 or more cases at a time, which limits the time they have to spend with each child. The CASA works with only one child or 2-3 siblings at a time and therefore, has more time to research each child’s individual needs. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he or she is an independent appointee of the court assigned to thoroughly research the child’s case, explore community resources, and make a recommendation to the court, independent of agency restrictions.

The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom.
That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers are both male and female. We have volunteers who work both full and part time jobs, some are students, and other volunteers are retired. Because the children served by CASA volunteers are diverse in background and need, we strive to recruit volunteers diverse in skill.

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reason they are in court, and the roles the judge, lawyers, and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers.

Each case is different. When a case is initially assigned, a CASA may spend five to ten hours per week researching the case history and conducting interviews. Volunteers spend anywhere from five to fifteen hours a month thereafter. Some cases may continue for two years or longer and volunteers are asked to commit until a case has been closed. Because caseworker and service provider turnover is very high, often the CASA volunteer is the only consistent presence in the child’s life.

Prospective volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process that involves personal interviews, reference checks, state and federal criminal background checks, Child Abuse Registry checks, and a local Child Protective Services background check. Only volunteers who have the time, interest, ability, and commitment to serve as a CASA are selected.

Yes, CASA volunteers receive thorough training. The pre-service training takes a minimum of 30 hours. Through this training volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from those in the profession—judges, lawyers, social workers and court personnel. Volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques for children and are educated about specific topics ranging from child sexual abuse to how to give a report in court. The culmination of the pre-service training is the swearing-in ceremony by the local circuit court judge. Volunteers also have opportunities during the course of the year to attend in-service trainings, which focus on relevant and timely topics. In addition, CASA volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of in-service training annually.

Although the number may vary, the average is one or two cases. Keeping a low caseload is important because it allows the CASA volunteer to have a thorough knowledge of the case and time necessary to provide quality advocacy. In overburdened child welfare and court systems, this one-on-one attention helps keep vulnerable children from slipping through the cracks.

No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests.

West Virginia CASA Association is a private nonprofit organization that supports the development, growth, and continuation of CASA programs. West Virginia CASA assists communities in starting CASA programs, provides technical assistance to local CASA programs, promotes accountability and consistency among programs, and increases public awareness of CASA statewide.

This link will provide info for Local CASA Programs in West Virginia.

Contact your county CASA office for additional information about becoming a CASA.
Download the volunteer application.

If you are interested in starting a program in your area, please check out this link.

You can make a donation to West Virginia CASA by going to the donation page.