Why are CASAs Needed?
These are just a few types of the thousands of cases with which Iowa’s judges and child welfare professionals are faced. Each such case is different and every one of them is complicated by many factors. Compared to the dozens of cases for which each social worker, judge, attorney or service provider is responsible, the CASA volunteer typically is assigned just one case at a time. This means the CASA can offer concentrated attention in a way that others are unable due to their large caseloads. CASAs keep the child’s best interest as their focus, and are expected to always maintain their objectivity about the situation. The CASA Program is independent from the rest of the child welfare system and recommendations made on behalf of the child’s best interest are the CASA’s own–they do not have to mirror those of any other professional on the case. The judge expects the CASA’s report to be an independent and objective assessment of the child’s situation.
