CASA of Cecil County
When a child enters foster care, important decisions can happen quickly and involve many people. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is appointed to focus on one thing throughout the case: the child’s best interest.
Who can be a CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, but at the heart of CASA are ordinary people who choose to show up for kids.
Advocates come from all walks of life. They’re working professionals, students, retirees, parents, and community members who share one thing in common: they care about children and want to make a difference.
You don’t need a legal background or special expertise to become a CASA. We provide the training and support you need. Most volunteers advocate for one child or sibling group at a time, making it possible to serve while balancing work, school, family, and everyday life.
If you’re at least 21 years old and ready to be a consistent, caring voice for a child who needs one, you could be a CASA.
What does a CASA do?
Trained community volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for children in the foster care system. Their role is simple but incredibly important: to get to know the child, understand their circumstances, and make sure their voice and needs are heard.
Advocates take the time to learn the full picture of a child’s life. They review information about the case, talk with the child and the important people in their life, and stay connected with everyone involved. Using what they learn, advocates provide the court with thoughtful, fact-based recommendations about what they believe is in the child’s best interest.
Advocates also help make sure children receive the services and support they need—from counseling and educational services to other resources ordered by the court. Throughout the case, they continue checking in, asking questions, and advocating for the child’s safety, well-being, and future.
For a child navigating foster care and the court system, people and places can change quickly. An advocate can be one consistent, caring adult who keeps showing up.
They listen. They advocate. They stay.
How It Works
Step 1
The Court Appoints an Advocate
A judge appoints a trained advocate to a child in foster care.
Step 2
The Advocate Gets to Know the Child and the Case
The advocate meets with the child, gathers information, and communicates with people involved in the child’s life and case.
Step 3
The Advocate Speaks up in Court
The advocate provides fact based information and recommendations to help the court make informed decisions based on the child’s best interest.
CASA of Cecil County Is Still Here
CASA of Cecil County is still here, doing the same essential work for children in foster care. It is now part of CAP’s network of programs, alongside Cecil County Mentors, Cecil Visitation Center, and a housing initiative. The CASA program continues to provide court appointed advocacy for children in foster care, with no changes to our role, responsibilities, or partnerships.