Court Appointed Special Advocate Casa Prince George's County

 Hyattsville     Maryland

http://www.pgcasa.org     << visit website

Coverage:  National

Categories:  Children, [ view all ]

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Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA Prince George's County Charity Profile

CASA was founded in 1977 by David Soukup, a Seattle judge who became concerned by how quickly decisions concerning the lives of abused and neglected children were being made when there was often a lack of detailed information. Soukup conceived the idea of using ordinary community members to be advocates for the best interests of children involved in the juvenile justice system. The Seattle program was so successful that the idea spread across the country. CASA currently has over 900 programs and 52,000 volunteers across the nation.

CASA/Prince George's County is a private non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. CASA/Prince George's County began in April of 2001 and has been growing steadily ever since. CASA's Executive Director, Ann Marie Foley Binsner has been with CASA since the beginning. CASA is led by a twelve member Board of Directors.

Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA Prince George's County Volunteer Information

A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide information and recommendations that aid the court in making decisions that are in the best interest of the child. The role of a CASA can be divided into three parts. As a fact finder the CASA gathers information about the case by reviewing records, interviewing the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials and any other resource the advocate feels may have pertinent information. They then act as an advocate providing a voice for the child in the courtroom that includes both the child’s wishes and their best interest. Based on the information they have gathered and collaboration with the social worker and attorney, the CASA submits a detailed report to the court with recommendations that will assist the child while they are in foster care. Finally, the CASA acts as a monitor for the court to ensure that its past and present orders are being implemented. The CASA volunteer follows the case until it reaches a swift and appropriate conclusion.