Mission and Creed

Mission Statement

The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program of St. Joseph County, Indiana, is an organization that recruits, screens, and trains volunteer child advocates to work in the court system in collaboration with other key agencies, legal counsel, and community resources to represent the best interest of children in juvenile court proceedings. CASA volunteers make recommendations regarding appropriate protective and rehabilitative services necessary to ensure a safe and permanent home for every child adjudicated a Child In Need of Services (CHINS) within the county.

Creed

I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a CASA.

I am the guardian of our children.

I am a protector of our children. I advocate for the child.

I hope to improve the family.

I serve the children of the state of Indiana.

I serve the children whose voice we often times ignore.

I live the CASA's oath of office.

I will always place my obligation to the child first. I will be fair. I will be impartial.

I am trained. I am constantly improving my skills.

I am a professional. I am independent.

I will listen. I will not judge.

I will recommend what I believe is in the best interest of the child.

I am a protector of our children.

I advocate for the child. I hope to improve the family.

All children deserve peace, safety and happiness.

I am the guardian of our children. I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

~Justice Steven David, October 2011