CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 1
What is CASA?
FY 2016 Board of Directors
Mark Houts
President
Brandi White
Vice President
Carolyn Ford
Treasurer
Ellen Dollarhide
Secretary
Zann McMahan, MD
Ron C. Bacy
Koko Hook
Kim Deer
Maura Wilson-Guten
Jalynn Youngberg
Doris Long
Association Staff
Sheryl Marseilles
Executive Director
Stacey Brooks
Director of Operations
Jennifer Emfinger
Marketing Coordinator
Greg Myner
IT Systems Administrator
2 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and is a nonprofit
organization tasked with recruiting and training volunteers to serve as
advocates for abused and neglected children.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate
for abused and neglected children to help ensure they don’t get lost in the
overburdened legal and social service system or languish in foster care.
Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in
a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer
will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.
In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge concerned about making drastic
decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen
volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected
children in the courtroom. From that first program has grown a network
of nearly 1,000 CASA and guardian ad litem programs that are recruiting,
training and supporting volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Why CASA Exists in Oklahoma
In the fiscal year of 2015, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
substantiated that 15,252 children were victims of abuse and/or neglect.
CASA is an independent entity that is in existence to make sure that these
children have a voice in court and find their way to a permanent, safe home.
There are 23 CASA Programs in Oklahoma that serve children in
64 counties. The mission of the Oklahoma CASA Association is to present
a statewide voice for abused and neglected children by enhancing the
growth and sustainability of CASA programs throughout Oklahoma.
What do Court Appointed Special Advocates do for children?
Advocates are community volunteers who represent the best interests of
abused and neglected children who are wards of the juvenile court. After
being screened and trained, a CASA is appointed to a child or sibling
group. Through his or her court order, the CASA researches the case, talks
to the child and involved parties and professionals, advocates for needed
services and timely decisions, and submits written recommendations to the
court. The CASA appears in court and speaks up on behalf of the child’s
best interests. A CASA usually handles one case at a time until it is fully
concluded.
“My CASA volunteers provide me an independent source of information
regarding what she/he believes is in the best interests of the child.”
-From the survey of Oklahoma Judges, 2016
What are Outcomes for Children?
The long range outcomes for children with a CASA
are that children have a safe and permanent home and
that children don’t “fall through the cracks” of the
system that’s in place to protect them.
CASA programs in Oklahoma asked the question:
how well do we do this? That question led to the
identification of initial and intermediate outcomes
that, when measured, demonstrate the real changes
we are making in the lives of children.
These outcomes for children include:
• A quality comprehensive history/case statement that is compiled to facilitate the children’s
move to permanency.
• Child well being including social, mental, emotional, physical, therapeutic, educational and safety needs of
children are identified and addressed.
• Increased stability for children and continuity with an adult involved in the case.
• Faster move toward permanency.
• Children have a voice representing their best interests.
In FY 2016, 1,260 CASA volunteers tirelessly spoke up on behalf of
3,596 abused and neglected children who were wards of the
juvenile courts in Oklahoma.
“My CASA kid transitioned between multiple places, DHS workers, therapists, etc.
and I believe having a constant CASA has provided ease to the transition process
for all of the workers involved in the case as well as stability for my CASA kid. The
changes impacted attitude, school performance, etc. and having someone to explain
the changes, why the transitions were necessary, and ease the situation all played an
important roll in the success of the case.”
-From the survey of CASA Volunteers, 2016
CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 3
“CASA gives me a more complete picture of what’s
occurring in the child’s life.”
-From the survey of Oklahoma Judges, 2016
What the Judges Say...
CASA volunteers, often referred to as “the eyes and ears of the court,” provide judges with additional information
and recommendations based solely on one thing: the child’s best interests. What’s unique about the CASA volunteer
is that his or her perspective is free of state agency policy and procedure and limitations that can overshadow
what is best for the chid. A CASA searches for information, reviews records, interviews parents, talks to teachers,
neighbors and family in an effort to paint a picture for the judge. It is essential that a judge supports CASA within
his or her courtroom. Every year, surveys are conducted to help assess the results of work done by CASA volunteers
in advocating for children. Below are the results from 42 Oklahoma judges in 22 of the 23 program areas.
Judges Feel Children’s Needs are Better Met with a CASA
Judges responding to the
survey feel the CASA
volunteers are effective
spokespersons for the best
interests of the children and
that needs of the children are
better met when they have a
CASA.
Strongly Agree
98% of Judges report the needs of the
children are better met while they are
wards of the court when they have a
CASA. (N=41)
69%
100% of Judges believe CASA volunteers
effectively speak for the best interest of
the child throughout the judicial process.
(N=42)
Agree
29%
81%
19%
“I quite often receive information about the family that has not been included in the
DHS report and that helps me better understand the needs of the children.”
From the survey of Oklahoma Judges, 2016.
Positive Outcomes for Judges
Judges responding to the survey indicated they have increased information and understanding regarding cases
when CASA volunteers have been assigned.
Agree
31%
Strongly Agree
69%
100% of Judges report they
have a better understanding
of what is happening in a case
when a CASA is appointed.
(N=42)
4 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
Agree
21%
Strongly Agree
79%
100% of Judges report they
have more information on
which to base decisions
regarding the child’s best
interests when a CASA is
assigned to the case. (N=42)
Judges Give High Quality Ratings to CASA Reports
Judges were asked to rate the quality of reports received based on five
indicators on a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor:
• 100% of respondents felt reports received from CASA contain wellresearched recommendations and relevant information and help the judge
get a detailed understanding of the child’s situation
• More than half the respondents rated all indicators as excellent
Excellent
Help Me Get a More Detailed
Understanding of the Child’s Situation
(N=42)
Good
79%
21%
100%
Indicate Sufficient In-depth Knowledge
of Case (N=42)
74%
26%
100%
Clear and Concisely Written (N=42)
71%
26%
97%
Recommendations are Well
Researched (N=42)
71%
29%
100%
Contain Relevant Information (N=42)
86%
14%
Most Judges Say There Are More Services for Children
with a CASA Volunteer
100%
“The commitment,
candor and
independence of the
CASA volunteers
make me significantly
more confident in the
decisions I make.”
-From the Survey of
Oklahoma Judges, 2016
When asked about services children received compared to cases not
assigned a CASA, 76% of Judges said they felt children with a CASA
received more services.
“Every other person in a case has their own point of view.
The CASA worker is the only one focused on the
child’s point of view.”
From the survey of Oklahoma Judges, 2016.
CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 5
Outcomes for Children
From the period of July 2015 to June 2016, 23 local CASA programs recorded outcomes for the children that
were appointed a CASA volunteer. Following are the statewide results that clearly convey the impact CASA
volunteers can have on the lives of children.
OUTCOME: Quality comprehensive history/case statements are compiled to facilitate the children’s
move to permanency.
One of the most important aspects
of a CASA volunteer’s voice is
providing an outside source of
additional information. All to often,
within six months, the CASA is the
“professional” who has been on the
case the longest, thereby fulfilling a
critical role in ensuring the child’s
full history is presented to the court.
Types of Contact
90,584
Child
19%
Placement Providers
18%
DHS
17%
CASA Staff
16%
Parents/Relatives
13%
Service Providers
6%
Legal
4%
Others
4%
During the 2016 fiscal year,
Education
3%
90,584 contacts were made by
CASA volunteers on 1071 cases.
CASA volunteers talk to children, foster parents, service providers, educators, parents and relatives. All of the
information gathered through these contacts is compiled into a report that is presented to the judge presiding
over the case.
OUTCOME: Social, mental, emotional, physical, therapeutic, educational and safety needs of
children are identified and addressed.
Types of Recommendations
In their reports to the judges, CASA
volunteers make recommendations based
on their independent, objective opinions
as to what is in the best interests of the
children. A total of 7,589 independent
recommendations regarding services,
visitation, placement, etc. were made to the
court by CASA volunteers on 1071 cases.
6 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
N=7,589
22%
19%
14%
12%
8%
4%
5%
8%
8%
OUTCOME: Increased stability for children and continuity with an
adult involved in the case.
CASA volunteers are a constant in the life of a child. Often times they
are the people who have been on the case the longest and have firsthand
knowledge of the case’s history.
During the fiscal year, 4,472 professional changes were experienced by
1,448 children. That includes changes in social workers, attorneys, therapists
and judges.
CASA volunteers
research a case by
speaking with everyone
involved and report back
to the judge what they
think should be done in
the child’s best interests.
They perform work most
similar to that of a DHS
social worker.
Types of Professional Changes
N=4,472
Others
2%
During the reported time
period, more than six
times as many children
had a change in social
workers assigned to their
case than change in CASA volunteer.
Judge
19%
DHS Social
Worker
35%
Attorney
45%
In fiscal year 2016,
45% of the children served by
CASA were below the age of 6.
34% of the children served by
CASA were 6-11 years of age.
OUTCOME: Children have a voice representing their best interests.
Not only do CASA volunteers represent the best interests of the children
to whom they are appointed in court, most of their work is done outside
the courtroom, working on a daily basis with social workers, treatment
providers, etc.
21% of the children served by
CASA were 12-18 years of age.
CASA was present for 100% of the hearings to which they were appointed
(5,258 hearings) during FY 2016 and spent more than 45,722* hours
working thoroughly to ensure the best interests of the children were being
met.
*Reported number of hours donated by CASA volunteers.
CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 7
What the Children Say...
It is important for children in the judicial system to have a constant presence in their life that is looking out
for them. We asked children with a CASA if they felt like they could talk to the adults in their lives (aside
from biological and foster parents). Over 17% of the children surveyed did not realize there was an attorney
appointed to them to speak up for their wishes.
Children Say They Can Talk with CASA Volunteers More
(CASA Youth Ages 6-18)
N=316
All the time
Sometimes
79%
66%
65%
62%
31%
31%
30%
23%
19%
Your CASA
Volunteer
28%
17%
Your Therapist
Your DHS
Caseworker
Your Teacher
Your Attorney
21%
The Judge
Children Say CASA Volunteers:
Listen to Them
Really Know Them
Kind of No
1%
6%
No
5%
Care About Them
Kind of No
1%
6%
Kind of
18%
Yes, for Sure
93%
8 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
Yes, for Sure
77%
Yes, for Sure
93%
Why do you think your CASA comes to
see you?
Ages 6-11
To check on me. Several children said they think
that their CASA volunteer is there to make sure
they are doing okay.
“Comes to my house to say hi and make sure I’m doing OK.”
“Check on me and make sure I am doing good.”
“She is nice when she comes to see me and talks to me.”
To help me and because they care. Many children recognize that CASA
volunteers are there because they want to help them.
“Because I was in a lot of trouble and people were mean to me.
Bullies taught me how to bully and she taught me how to not do that
stuff.”
“So they can see how we are doing. We love when
they come over.”
“She wants to help us and talk to us. She loves us and we love her.
[She] is like part of our family.”
Ages 12-18
To better advocate for me in court. Many youth specifically mentioned that
CASA comes to see them so that they can report back to the judge and be a
voice for them in court.
“To check on you and make sure you’re okay. Also to be your
voice at court.”
“To see if I want them to tell the judge anything. And
to see how I am doing.”
For my well-being. Many youth recognize that CASA volunteers are there
because to check on their mental and physical well-being.
What are three important
things your CASA
volunteer does to help
you?
(Ages 6-11)
“She helps me not worry about
my brother. She helps me get to
my visits sometimes. She helps
me learn new things.”
“She tries to help us get
back home. Make sure we
are safe. When we get in
trouble, she can help our
problem.”
“She talks to me, visits school.
Checks to see what I am doing.
When we are good she takes us
for a treat.”
“She understands what
I mean when I say
something. She lets me
know people love me. She
says stuff to cheer me up.”
“To help motivate me to do good. To talk to me. To be a positive adult
in my life. To find out what I want and what’s best for me.”
“I think our CASA comes to see us because she needs
to check and see if we are happy where we live and
that it’s a safe environment.”
CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 9
CASA Programs
Oklahoma CASA programs serve a total of 64 counties and have a presence in
four tribal courts in Oklahoma.
Cleveland County CASA
Serving: Cleveland, Garvin & McClain
Norman, OK
405-360-5295
www.clevelandcountycasa.org
What are three important
things your CASA
volunteer does to help
you?
(Ages 12-18)
“She makes sure that we are
happy and safe. She makes
sure that we are thriving in the
environment we’re in. To keep
us updated on our case and
that we aren’t being hurt in
any way.”
“Helps relieve my stress
by coming and being a
good support system and
by coming and being my
friend.”
“Makes sure that I am well
taken care of. Spoke for me in
court. Was always there when
she said she was coming.”
“ID ways to prepare me
for my future, makes sure
our needs are met, [and]
emotional support.”
10 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
Youth and Family CASA
Serving: Pottawatomie & Lincoln Counties
Shawnee, OK
405-275-3340
www.casaspeaksup.org
Bryan County CASA, Inc.
Serving: Bryan County
Durant, OK
580-924-6164
Okmulgee County/Creek Nation CASA
Serving: Creek Nation, Okmulgee,
Okfuskee & Creek Counties
Okmulgee, OK
918-756-2549
www.casasafehouse.org
Tulsa CASA, Inc.
Serving: Tulsa County
Tulsa, OK
918-584-2272
www.tulsacasa.org
CASA of Oklahoma County
Serving: Oklahoma County
Oklahoma City, OK
405-713-6456
www.okcountycasa.org
CASA of Southern Oklahoma
Serving: Carter, Johnston, Love,
Marshall & Murray Counties
Ardmore, OK
580-226-0009
CASA for Kids, Inc.
Serving: Payne & Logan Counties
Stillwater, OK
405-624-2242
www.casaforkids.com
CASA of Cherokee Country
Serving: Cherokee Nation, Adair &
Cherokee Counties
Tahlequah, OK
918-456-8788
www.cherokeecasa.org
Child Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma
Serving: Rogers, Craig, Mayes, Ottawa &
Delaware Counties
Claremore, OK
918-923-4570
www.cano-casa.com
CASA for Children, Inc.
Serving: Muskogee, Sequoyah
& Wagoner Counties
Muskogee, OK
918-686-8199
www.casaok.org
CASA of Kay and Noble Counties
Serving: Kay & Noble Counties
Ponca City, OK
580-762-8341
www.kaynoblecasa.org
CASA of Western Oklahoma
Serving: Alfalfa, Beckham, Custer, Dewey,
Roger Mills & Washita Counties
Clinton, OK
580-323-3322
22nd Judicial District CASA
Serving: Pontotoc & Hughes County
Ada, OK
580-332-1441
www.adacasa.org
Counseling Inc. CASA
Serving: Atoka & Coal Counties
Tishomingo, OK
580-371-3551
"One girl had been moved and moved due to conflicts with men being in the home. She
finally was placed in a single mom home but since the home was over capacity, DHS
moved her before the next court date even though the placement was ideal for her. She
was starting to show marked improvements in behavior and general dynamics. CASA
intervened directly with the court and the judge issued a waiver to allow her to be put
back in the home. She has done fantastic and now that natural mom's rights have been
terminated, the placement has moved to adoption."
-From the survey of CASA Volunteers, 2016
Little Dixie CASA
Serving: McCurtain, Choctaw
& Pushmataha Counties
Antlers, OK
580-298-2921
www.littledixiecasa.org
Fourth Judicial District CASA
Serving: Garfield, Blaine & Major Counties
Enid, OK
580-242-1153
www.garfieldcountycarecampus.org
Canadian County CASA, Inc.
Serving: Canadian County
El Reno, OK
405-264-5520
www.canadiancountycasa.org
CASA Voices For Children, Inc.
Serving: Grady County
Chickasha, OK
405-224-0404
www.casav4c.org
Pawnee/Osage CASA
Serving: Pawnee County/Nation &
Osage County/Nation
Pawnee, OK
918-762-3776
www.pawneecasa.org
CASA of Southwest Oklahoma
Serving: Comanche, Jackson, Jefferson &
Stephens Counties
Lawton, OK
580-248-2272
www.casaswok.com
Northwest Oklahoma CASA
Serving: Woodward, Woods, Ellis,
Harper, Beaver & Texas Counties
580-256-2182
www.nwocasa.org
San Bois CASA, Inc.
Serving: Latimer, LeFlore, Haskell &
Pittsburg Counties
Poteau, OK
918-647-3267
www.sanboiscasa.com
CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN | 11
Improve Outcomes for Children.
Give an Abused Child a Voice. Yours.
For more information, contact:
Oklahoma CASA Association, Inc.
PO Box 54946
Oklahoma City, OK 73154
Phone: 405-524-8999
Fax: 405-524-7222
Toll Free: 1-800-742-2272
or visit
www.OklahomaCASA.org
12 | CASA OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN