About CASA

(click emblem for Casa website)

Kappa Alpha Theta's philanthropy is CASA. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child - foster care, reunification, or adoption, and in a more timely fashion, so these children still have a chan ce at childhood.

CASA volunteers work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information and talk to everyone involved - parents, teachers, family members and the child. From this information, they present a recommendation to the judge as to what is best for this child. CASA programs can help a displaced child find the security he or she needs to grow and reach full potential. Studies show that: Abused and neglected children who have CASA volunteers have a better chance of living in safe, permanent and loving homes than children who do not have volunteers. CASA involvement often reduces the number of times a child is moved from foster home to foster home. CASA cases are more likely to be reviewed on a regular bases by the court. A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to receive treatment through community services. CASA programs save tax dollars.

The Delta Sigma chapter at Ball State helps CASA by raising money for Casa programs or making items for the children. We hostess events such as the Smackdown tournament, which is a volleyball tournament for campus students.

The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is also involved with CASA. In 1989, Kappa Alpha Theta designated CASA as the official Fraternity philanthropy. Since that time, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation has contributed over $769,000 to support the National CASA Association in its efforts to provide services, information and support to local community CASA programs. These local programs assist abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system in your community and others across the United States.

In addition to Foundation Support, local CASA programs provide an opportunity for college chapters and alumnae groups to get involved at a hands-on level. Local programs need financial support, office assistance, special project support and CASA volunteers and you can help! Many Theta groups have conducted significant fund raisers, made gifts for CASA children, staffed CASA conferences and supplied Board members and volunteers for local programs.