A. Voices for Children is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Howard County, Maryland. Voices for Children is part of the National and Maryland CASA Associations. Voices for Children recruits and trains volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of children in the Howard County Courts. Voices for Children was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1990.

Q. What is a CASA Volunteer?

A. A CASA is a volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Volunteers first receive thirty hours of training and go through an extensive clearance process.

Q. What is the CASA Volunteer's role?

A. A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched information about a child's background to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. The CASA volunteer must determine what is in the best interest of the child. The volunteer makes a recommendation on residential placement and what services a child may need in a written report to the court. The volunteer is also an advocate beyond the court, ensuring that the child receives the services and attention that are needed. The CASA volunteer continues to update the court with information about the child as needed during the life of the case. All volunteers receive supervision by professional staff at Voices for Children.

Q. How does a CASA Volunteer investigate a case?

A. To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, case managers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child - school, medical, psychiatric and caseworker reports. An order from the court appointing a CASA gives the volunteer permission to access these records.

Q. How does a CASA volunteer differ from a caseworker?

A. Department of Social Service caseworkers are generally employed by the state government and handle many cases at one time. Due to their large caseloads workers are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each case. The CASA worker is a volunteer with more time and handles only a few cases at a time. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker, he or she is an independent appointee of the court.

Q. How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?

A. 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. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child's wishes in court. Rather, they speak to the child's best interests.

Q. How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?

A. The volunteer continues with the case until there is some type of resolution. The goal is that the child should have a safe and permanent home.

Q. Is there a typical CASA volunteer?

A. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Currently, Voices for Children has over 65 volunteers ranging in age from 23 to 60 and older. Over half are employed full time and most have at least some college education.

Q. How is Voices for Children funded?