Tribal Court CASA

The Tribal Court Appointed Special Advocate Project was started in 1994 to assist in the development and enhancement of Tribal Court programs that provide volunteer advocacy for abused or neglected Native American children. The goal of the National CASA Association is to increase the number of Indian children who are receiving culturally sensitive representation through indigenous CASA programs in Tribal Court proceedings. The Project is advised by the Tribal Court Advisory Committee, whose purpose is to review and consult with National CASA Association on the development of Tribal Court programs, the best methods to assist the Tribal Court programs, and the best methods for adapting CASA to meet the needs of Native American communities. For more information concerning child abuse and neglect issues, see our page on Child Abuse and Neglect.

The National CASA Association (NCASA) offers leadership and support to provide quality advocacy. NCASA provides: training and curriculum; technical assistance and quality assurance; volunteer recruitment and public awareness; and resource development and grants. NCASA offers a variety of resources for developing and strengthening Tribal court CASA programs.

Victim Services: Promising Practices in Indian Country (2004) is an OVC monograph  produced by the Tribal Law and Policy Institute that describes promising practices for assisting victims of violence and abuse in twelve Indian Country locations throughout the United States. Each description includes the program’s keys to success, relevant demographic data, and a contact for further information.

• Supporting Native Children: A Guide for CASA/GAL Advocacy in State Courts (12 MB PDF) - Published by The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon
• Tribal Court CASA: A Guide to Program Development  (730 KB PDF)
• Tribal Court CASA Appendix (410 KB PDF)
• Passports for Native Children: A Best-Practice Approach for Tribal Advocates Working with Native Children Who Have Suffered Abuse (175 KB PDF)
• A Guide to Establishing a Tribal Court CASA Program Board of Directors or Advisory Committee  (720 KB PDF)
• The Indian Child Welfare Act Summary (142 KB PDF)
• The Indian Child Welfare Act and CASA/GAL Volunteers: Advocating for the Best Interests of Native Children (37 KB PDF)

The Indian Child Welfare Act Handbook: A Legal Guide to the Custody and Adoption of Native American Children (paperback for purchase at Amazon)