CASA of Philadelphia volunteers listen first, then act. They use the information they have gathered to inform judges of the child’s needs, best interests, and wishes. A volunteer does not have to be a lawyer or social worker, in fact our volunteers come from all walks of life and a multitude of backgrounds. What they all have in common is a desire to make life better for the more than 3,000 children currently in the child welfare system in Philadelphia. Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy and heart. And it is an investment that pays dividends for children who have been neglected and abused. Foster children with a CASA spend less time in care, receive more services, experience fewer out of home placements and have significantly improved educational experiences.