Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are volunteers trained to be advocates for children who have been abused and neglected and are under the protection of the juvenile court. They are appointed by the judge to meet regularly with the child, review records, and talk to family members and professionals involved in the child's case. They report information to the judge, make recommendations to promote the child's best interests, and monitor compliance with the court's orders until the child has been placed in a safe, permanent home. There are CASA programs in every state (more than 950 programs nationwide) and 24 programs serving 77 counties in Kansas. Our local program has served over 700 children since 1991 and currently serves approximately 75 children each year.