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, contract staff. Currently, 68 of the 92 total Indiana counties offer a CASA program. CASA of Vanderburgh County greatly benefits the community by giving the most vulnerable children the opportunity to thrive in an environment that will allow them to grow into well-adjusted, productive citizens of society.