A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained volunteer, sworn in as an Officer of the Court and appointed by a Judge. The CASA is appointed to speak up for a foster child (or children), during the time that they are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court as a result of abuse or neglect situations.The CASA works in conjunction with case professionals, such as the Guardian ad Litem, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Family Permanency Specialist/Case Manager, the County Attorney, and the parent’s attorney. The CASA is appointed to represent the best interest of the child and will conduct an independent assessment of the child’s situation. This assessment is likely to include meeting with the child on a regular basis, talking to the child’s parents and other family members, staying in contact with the caseworkers, counselors, therapists, teachers, daycare providers, probation officers, visitation specialist, and foster parents. The CASA will also attend Court hearings, team meetings, and Foster Care Review meetings.The CASA then prepares a report for the Court which includes a summary of the facts of the case and recommendations about what should happen to the child. This report will be reviewed and edited by a CASA Volunteer Supervisor. Regular communication between the CASA and the Volunteer Supervisor is essential. The CASA does not have the power or authority to remove children from the home, arrange visitation, or provide child care or other resources, but has the power to make recommendations to the Court regarding these issues.