Becoming a CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate
Authors: Stephanie Coffey and Miranda Quinones
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Kimberly Kinsey Mannahan
Abstract:
Stephanie Coffey and Miranda Quinones first established their relationship with CASA in Dr. Kimberly Mannahan’s Introduction to Human Services course in Fall of 2013. They continued their diligent work with this community partner after the course ended completing the rigorous 5-week training program to become CASAs. A CASA is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by the juvenile court judge to speak for the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court proceedings, usually in cases where the child has been removed for protection from the care of his or her parents. Serves as a fact-finder by thoroughly researching the background of each assigned case. The CASA makes independent recommendations to the court for services, and monitors the case to ensure the child is placed in a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.