How are CASAs different from social service caseworkers?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments, sometimes working on as many as 30 cases at a time; they are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each case. The CASA has more time and a smaller case load (average of 1-2 cases). The CASA does not replace a social worker on a case; they are an independent appointee of the court. The CASA thoroughly examines a child’s case, knows about various community resources and makes recommendations to the court, independent of other involved parties.
