ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Court Appointed Special Advocate

A court appointed special advocate, or CASA for short, is a special grown-up friend who helps kids when they are having a hard time. Sometimes, kids have to go to a place called court because something is not right in their lives. They might have parents who can't take care of them properly or they might not be safe where they are living. When this happens, a judge in the court wants to make sure that the kids are safe and happy.

That's where the CASA comes in. CASAs are like superheroes who come to help the kids. They are very kind and caring people who become friends with the kids and spend time with them. They talk to the kids and ask them about their feelings, their dreams, and what they want. They also listen carefully to what the parents and other important people in the kids' lives say.

After spending time with the kids and learning about their lives, the CASA writes a special report for the judge. They tell the judge what they think is best for the kids and why. The judge reads the report and listens to what the CASA thinks, then makes decisions to help the kids be safe and happy.

The CASA also goes to court hearings to support the kids and make sure that their voice is heard by the judge. They speak up for the kids and tell the judge about all the things they have learned. They want to make sure that the judge knows what the kids really need and what will be best for them.

Even though the CASA is like a superhero friend for the kids, they are not just a friend. They do a special job to help the judge and everyone else understand what is going on in the kids' lives. The CASA's main goal is to make sure that the kids are safe, happy, and have a good place to live.

So, a court appointed special advocate is a special grown-up friend who helps kids in court. They spend time with the kids, write reports for judges, and speak up for the kids to make sure they are safe and happy.