Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers make a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Our volunteers are the superheroes these children need and deserve. Our volunteers “Change a Child’s Story!”
Thank you to United States Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, State Senator Addie Eckardt, and everyone in the Caroline County Community who contributed to the 2022 “Pass the Pinwheel” Video! Please enjoy watching folks pass the pinwheel from Caroline County all the way to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of child abuse and its prevention.
About CASA
CASA of Caroline, Inc. advocates for the best interest of all abused and neglected children who are in the Caroline County court system through no fault of their own. As empowered by the Circuit Court of Caroline County, volunteer advocates will be trained to make assessments and recommendations to the court on behalf of these children.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build the youth for our future.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Volunteer
Learn about ways YOU can “Change a Child’s Story”!
Donate
Donate to your CASA of Caroline. Your gift makes a meaningful impact in a child’s life. Every dollar helps to “Change a Child’s Story”!
News & Events
It Was a
Judge’s Idea
The CASA Story
Inspiration came to Seattle juvenile court judge David W. Soukup in 1976. Click here to view Judge Soukup’s rendition of the history of CASA
Judge Soukup had insufficient information to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who had suffered from child abuse.
That’s where the idea came from: These children, who had experienced abuse or neglect, needed trained volunteers speaking up in the courtroom for their best interests.
CASA in Caroline County
Caroline County Courthouse photo courtesy of Bill Whaley Photography
In 2003, over 300 cases of abuse or neglect were investigated by the Caroline County Department of Social Services.
Approximately 50 children were in foster care at the end of that year. Each child who was removed from their parents’ home was involved in a lengthy court process. A group of concerned citizens recognized the need for someone to watch out for the best interest of foster care children. Spearheaded by then Circuit Court Judge J. Owen Wise, who had seen firsthand the positive results of CASA advocacy, CASA of Caroline became operational in September 2003.
It was akin to introducing a foreign language. Most people thought any child in the juvenile court system must have done something wrong to be there. One of the first hurdles was getting people at large to accept the fact that the children CASA deals with are victims and are part of the juvenile system due to no fault of their own. It remains a hurdle to this day.
Circuit Court Judge J. Owen Wise
“Although the concept of CASA was firmly rooted in other states across the country and other counties in Maryland, its introduction to Caroline County was a challenge. “
Donate
HELP CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE IN CAROLINE COUNTY, MD.
With your financial support, CASA can continue to recruit, train and support dedicated volunteers to advocate for child victims of abuse and neglect who are too young to speak for themselves during the complicated maze of legal proceedings. Every donation TRULY makes a difference in a child's life!
Please click the "Donate" button OR send your donation to:
CASA of Caroline, Inc.
114 Market St., Suite #100
Denton, MD 21629
Community Partners
Community partnerships are vital to our work. They provide the resources that are essential for meeting our mission to provide a trained volunteer advocate for every child in Caroline County foster care due to abuse or neglect. We are looking for like-minded businesses and organizations who are willing to make an annual commitment to CASA of Caroline and the children of our community. Please click here to view our Partnership Program Brochure
To learn more about becoming a CASA of Caroline Community Partner, please call our office at 410-479-8301 or e-mail info@casaofcaroline.org
CASA of Caroline is proud of 2022 our community partners!
Make a Financial Contribution:
Become a Community Partner
We believe strong communities build strong families. Community Partners make a commitment to the children of Caroline County by providing us with financial support as well as the opportunity to meet and connect with folks who are interested in taking our training course and becoming the person who makes a real difference in a foster care child's life. Partnership Program Brochure
Make an In-Kind Donation:
- Office supplies like copy paper, file folders, etc.
- Non-perishable food and beverages to be used during trainings.
- Gift cards for gas or restaurants that our CASA's could use during their visits with their child
- Gift cards or items for the auction at our annual fundraiser.
Other Ways to Support:
- Host an event such as a car wash, bake sale, etc. to benefit CASA of Caroline.
- Shop AmazonSmile and designate CASA of Caroline as your charity of choice.
- Invite us to come present to your group, organization or workplace.
- Stay connected with us by signing up for our newsletter and e-mail updates.