CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Mission
CASA of Monroe County is to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the family court. Through the use of court-appointed, community volunteers, CASA seeks to assure safe, permanent families for these children as quickly as possible.
Purpose
The CASA concept is based on the commitment that every child has the right to a safe, permanent home. Each year in Michigan thousands of children are abused or neglected by their families. Over 5,000 are removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Eventually they end up in court. In Monroe County, approximately 150 children are in foster care each year waiting for a permanent residence.
CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens who want to help their community's children. These volunteers are the eyes and ears of the court. After an independent investigation, they appear in court to recommend to the judge what is best for the child.
In 2021, CASA of Monroe County celebrated 25 years in supporting the families of Monroe County.
CASA offices are located at 9 Washington Street, Suite C, Monroe, MI 48161.
CASA is an agency of the Monroe County United Way.
As a child advocate, the CASA volunteers has three main responsibilities:
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To serve as a fact-finder for the judge by thoroughly researching the background of each assigned case.
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To speak for the child in the courtroom, representing the child's best interest.
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To continue to act as a "watchdog" for the child during the life of the case, ensuring that it is brought to a swift and appropriate conclusion.
