Why CASA?
CASA is an established community partner that provides ongoing training and supervision to community volunteers so that they can intervene and support families in a strengths-based, culturally-informed way.
Our Impact
Research demonstrates that protective factors, such as concrete supports during times of need, and caring and consistent relationships, can counter the effects of adverse childhood experiences, increase children’s resilience, educational success, mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing long-term.
Our volunteers are trained in advocacy, communication, and resource connection, and will work one on one with students and their families to develop plans to re-engage students and promote school success.
Our volunteers enhance protective factors by being consistent and caring adults for at-risk children and youth, making a measurable impact on the trajectory of each child’s life.
Our Programs
Dependency & Neglect Program
Truancy Program
Family Engagement Program
Dependency & Neglect CASA Volunteer
A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained volunteer who represents the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are currently in the child welfare system, through no fault of their own.
CASA Volunteers are supervised by CASA team members and work alongside the child’s legal and professional team. They ensure that the child’s physical, mental, educational, and emotional needs are being met, and advocate for the child in court, all while supporting them in their journey to find a safe and permanent home
CASA Truancy Volunteer
A Truancy CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained volunteer who represents the educational interests of a child or youth with a truancy case in the 17th Judicial District.
Truancy CASAs are appointed by the court and supervised by CASA team members. They work alongside the child, family, and school to identify barriers to attendance, access community resources, and improve the student’s school attendance and academic success.
Family Engagement Advocate
The Family Engagement Program utilizes trained and committed community volunteers to work one-on-one with a family whose children are chronically absent from school. They partner with families to identify and build upon their strengths, and provide peer support and resource navigation for families to access wraparound community supports.
It is a new, voluntary, program for families and operates entirely outside of the child welfare and court system. Family Engagement Advocates support students’ needs in order to help get them re-engaged in school.
Adam Gromko
Hello! My name is Adam Gromko and I completed my CASA training in October 2024. I’ve been a CASA Volunteer for about seven months now. I’m currently working on my very first case, and it’s already been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about our different programs, please contact our Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation, Paula Stack, at paula@casa17th.com.