History

The Court Appointed Special Advocate concept began in Seattle, Washington, during the early 1970's. There is now some version of the program in every state. Programs operate in many different ways: volunteer model, attorney assignment, and contract staff.

The Marshall County CASA program was established in 2001. Judge Michael Cook, the Circuit Court Judge (the current Circuit Court Judge is Janette Surrisi), asked a community task force to study the issue of need for child-centered advocacy in his court. The group recommended the creation of such a program after much study and deliberation.

Since 2001, the program has served children who are adjudicated CHINS (Children In Need of Services) by the local court system. These are all physically or sexually abused, neglected, or abandoned children who range in age from birth to eighteen years. In very special cases, the wardship may extend beyond age eighteen if the child has not completed his/her education. There are currently children waiting for an advocate.

As of January 1, 2026 CASA of Marshall County has transitioned from a nonprofit organization overseen by a board to a county court program. The program is now under the oversight of the circuit court and is supported by the county council and county commissioners.

Legislation passed in 2005 now requires a CASA or GAL be appointed to represent every child adjudicated to be a "child in need of services" (CHINS) and in termination of parental rights cases (TPR).