The effectiveness of CASAs in achieving positive outcomes for children.

Abstract

Using a quasiexperimental design, this study evaluated the effectiveness of CASAs in achieving positive outcomes for children, and examined the process variables believed to lead to permanency for children. Data were collected from court and CASA program files over a two-year period on 200 children, who were compared to children without CASA volunteers on outcome and process variables. Findings indicate that CASAs may have helped reduce the number of placements and court continuances children experienced, and that more services were provided to children with CASAs than to those without. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the impact of CASA services on children.