The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program recruits, trains, supervises and coordinates community volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in the foster care system.  These volunteers are carefully screened, undergo background checks and receive over 40 hours of specialized training to learn skills necessary to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings to help determine permanent placement.   CASA volunteers also work closely with social service agencies to ensure that the educational, medical, psychological, and emotional needs of these children are met.  A primary goal of CASA is that children will be placed in a safe and stable home as quickly as possible.