Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southwest Michigan, Inc.

Mission: To ensure every child who has been abused or neglected has a dedicated advocate to defend their rights and safeguard their well-being.

The CASA program was formed in 1977 and since that time has grown to nearly 1000 programs serving 250,000 children in foster care. Berrien County developed a program in 2016. To date our 70 volunteers served over 220 children. Our volunteers advocate for the best interests of local foster children in courtrooms and in the community so that they find a loving, permanent home as quickly as possible. Training is provided at no cost, all volunteers must pass a background check. We invite you to join our team, make a difference in the life of a child.

CASA trains community volunteers to advocate for children who are in foster care because of abuse and neglect. They serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the court and caseworkers–and a voice for the child. Volunteers meet with their children weekly, facilitate communication between agencies, provide facts and recommendations to the court so they can make well informed decisions for that child