Maine CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
Maine Administrative Office of the Courts
CASA volunteers serve as court-appointed guardians ad litem in child protection cases. They advocate for the best interests of children in foster care by gathering facts, interviewing families, and presenting recommendations to judges.
Who can use this?
Children in child protection cases are assigned CASA volunteers by the court. Adults interested in volunteering must complete a 40-hour training program, pass a background check, and commit to serving for at least one year.
About this resource
The Maine CASA Program recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in the child protection system. CASA volunteers are assigned to individual cases by judges and serve as independent voices for children's best interests. They conduct interviews, visit homes, review records, and prepare reports and recommendations for the court. The program operates under Maine's Administrative Office of the Courts.
Services offered
- Court-appointed advocacy for children in foster care
- Independent fact-finding and investigation
- Court reports and recommendations
- Volunteer recruitment and training
- Monitoring of child welfare case plans
What to expect
If you are interested in volunteering, contact the program to learn about training opportunities. CASA volunteers typically spend 10-15 hours per month on their assigned cases, visiting children, interviewing parties, and preparing for court hearings.