Court Appointed Special Advocate

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers who are appointed by Muskegon County judges to advocate for the best interests of children (birth–17) in abuse/neglect court cases. CASAs build a consistent relationship with each child, visit homes, coordinate with foster care workers, teachers, and health providers, and submit objective reports and testimony so the court can make informed decisions about safety, services, and permanency. All services are free, and volunteers receive ongoing coaching to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy from first hearing through case closure.

CASA directly advances United Way of the Lakeshore’s mission and Healthy Families/Mental Health priorities by mobilizing caring volunteers to close critical gaps in the child welfare system—especially for ALICE families with limited capacity to navigate complex proceedings. By elevating the child’s voice, accelerating safe, stable placements, and connecting caregivers to community resources, CASA strengthens family well-being and community safety. Child Abuse Council leverages United Way funds for additional state Child Care Funds (25%:75% match), multiplying local impact.