CASA means Court Appointed Special Advocate. Since its creation by a juvenile court judge in Seattle, Washington, CASA has become one of the most effective advocacy programs of its kind. Today there are almost 950 CASA programs in 49 states. With more than 96,000 volunteers across the country, we are all committed to the rights of every child in the foster care and child welfare system.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a member of the community. We specially train volunteers to advocate in court for the best interest of children who have experience in Nebraska’s child welfare system. CASA Volunteers are assigned to a child for the duration of a case, usually lasting a year or two. The average time spent in care is two years, during which they may change residences as many as three times — which is why CASA Volunteer work is so important.

The time is now: Each move means new foster parents or a new kinship placement, and often a new school. CASA Volunteers frequently become the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life. Our volunteers not only advocate for a safe home, but for educational and mental health resources. Because child welfare systems are constantly overloaded, CASA Volunteers may be the only adults who are part of the child’s life for a meaningful amount of time.

The mission of CASA of Elkhorn Valley: Training, empowering, and inspiring Volunteer Advocates to represent children in court who have experienced abuse or neglect and ensure they are safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.