Mission & History

Mission

Nebraska CASA Association partners with local CASA programs to recruit and train volunteers who speak in court for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children.

Nebraska CASA Facts

  • 834 Nebraskans volunteered as advocates for children in 2023.
  • 1,937 Nebraska children had a CASA volunteer in 2023.
  • There are still 1,300 children without a volunteer advocate.
  • 22 local CASA programs are currently serving 55 counties in Nebraska.  
  • CASA programs have served Nebraska children for 37 years!

Facts about CASA volunteers

  • CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate.
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who are appointed by judges to speak in court for the safety and well-being of an abused or neglected child.
  • Judges, attorneys, child protective workers, and parents overwhelmingly report that CASA volunteers make a difference with the children they serve.
  • Children with a CASA volunteer are half as likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as more than three years in care.
  • Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be permanently closed.
  • Fewer than 10% of children with a CASA volunteer re-enter the foster care system.
  • CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. 
  • More than half of all CASA volunteers are employed full-time.
  • CASA volunteers are well-trained and supported by competent and professional staff.