CASA of East Tennessee envisions a community where every abused or
neglected child is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
What is CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, who are trained to represent the best interests of children in juvenile abuse and neglect court cases. CASA is a local, nonprofit organization in communities all across the nation. Since CASA’s national inception, CASA volunteers have helped more than two million children find safe, permanent homes.
CASA of East Tennessee, Inc. was established in 1986 in Knox County when Judge Carey E. Garrett became aware of a growing nationwide CASA movement responding to the needs of Juvenile Court Judges for assistance in abuse and neglect cases. He believed that a CASA organization in Knoxville could assist the juvenile court system in our area through gathering critical information about the lives of the children within the system. Since then, we’ve been working daily to fulfill our mission to improve the lives of abused and neglected children through trained volunteers who advocate for a safe, permanent, loving home. The goal of our intervention is to represent the best interests of each child we serve.
CASA of East Tennessee, Inc. is a member of the National CASA Association.
OUR MISSION
CASA of East Tennessee’s mission is to improve the lives of abused and neglected children
through trained volunteers who advocate for safe, permanent, loving homes.
OUR VALUES
Empowerment: We empower children to express their concerns and fears, as well as share their hopes and dreams, and for them to all be heard by their families and the Court.
Community: We are changing the face of the community by helping children in their hardest times so they can become productive, contributing adults.
Transparency: We are transparent in our governance and fundraising practices; every dollar goes to put a child in the best home possible.
Accountability: We are accountable for placing each child in a safe and loving environment. All our volunteers undergo a strict and rigorous vetting and training process.
Service: We serve our volunteer corps to ensure each advocate is effectively recruited, trained, and supported by staff so they are well equipped to provide high quality advocacy for children.