Court-Appointed
Special Advocates

CASA Volunteer Advocates work both in and out of the courtroom. They build relationships with the children, family members, and foster caregivers. They work in concert with the judges, lawyers, social workers, service providers, parents, and teachers.

The CASA is appointed as an officer of the court and is responsible for making recommendations to the judge regarding the future permanent placement of each child. The CASA Volunteer Advocate submits written and verbal recommendations to the court that assist the court in decision making. Part of a CASA’s role is also helping children figure out what they need to thrive, including help to prepare them for their future and providing them with helpful services. 

CASA Volunteer Advocates come from all walks of life, with a variety of educational and ethnic backgrounds. We especially welcome those with lived experiences in foster care to become CASAs.There are more than 62,000 CASA volunteers nationally and more than 60 are active annually in the First Judicial District (Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties).