In the complex world of child welfare, it can be difficult to understand the different roles that serve children in need. One of the most common questions we hear at CASA of Johnson County is:
“What is the difference between CASA and DCS?”
It’s an important distinction, especially for those considering volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). While both CASA and the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) work to protect and support vulnerable children, their missions, responsibilities, and methods differ in significant ways.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. When a child becomes involved in the court system due to a case opening by DCS due to abuse or neglect, a CASA volunteer must be assigned to serve as the child’s independent voice in court, but the Court has the discretion to appoint CASA in any other case involving a child or children; juvenile delinquency, guardianship, divorce, or paternity cases for example. CASA volunteers are trained community members who advocate for the best interests of the child throughout the legal process.
CASAs are not social workers, attorneys, or foster parents. They are independent fact-finders who work solely to ensure the child’s best interests are represented in court.
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) is a state-run agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect. DCS investigates reports of suspected child maltreatment and, when necessary, removes children from unsafe environments. It also manages foster care placements and coordinates services for both children and families.
DCS ultimately answers to the state and is focused on protecting children from a legal and procedural standpoint. Their responsibility includes complying with state laws, offering services to families, and pursuing permanency goals such as reunification or adoption.
|
Feature |
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) |
DCS (Department of Child Services) |
|
Affiliation |
Works independently under court authority |
State-run government agency |
|
Primary Focus |
Direct best interests of the child |
Child protection under state law |
|
Role in Court |
Reports directly to the court |
Party in the case, often initiates court proceedings |
|
Relationship with Family |
Builds relationships, interviews family, supports child’s interest |
May remove children or set legal boundaries |
|
Decision-Making Authority |
Recommends outcomes to the judge |
Implements state policies, follows legal mandates |
|
Public Perception |
Advocate for the child |
Viewed as "the system" or enforcer |
One of the biggest misconceptions is that CASA and DCS are the same or that CASA is involved in taking children away from parents. This is not true.
CASA is not responsible for removing children from homes, nor does it work on behalf of the state. CASA is there to offer objective, child-focused recommendations based on the information volunteers gather through interviews, visits, and court records. The judge uses this information to make more informed decisions.
Another key point: CASA’s must be assigned to all cases opened by the DCS when it includes abuse or neglect.
Although separate, CASA and DCS often work in parallel on the same cases. DCS caseworkers handle legal procedures, safety assessments, and service plans, while CASA volunteers focus on giving the child a stable, consistent advocate throughout the process.
Both play important roles in the child welfare system, but their purposes are distinct. Judges rely on the independent, child-focused perspective that CASA volunteers provide to balance the input from state agencies.
Now that you understand the difference between CASA and DCS, you might be wondering how you can help.
Every year in Johnson County, children enter the court system through no fault of their own. They need someone to speak up for them, ensure their needs are met, and advocate for a safe, permanent home.
That someone could be you.
Volunteering as a CASA takes just a few hours a month, but the impact lasts a lifetime. You don’t need a legal background, just a heart for helping children and a commitment to making a difference.
Join us today. Be the voice. Be the difference. Be a CASA.