Advocating for abused and neglected children of Richland County
Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (RCCASA) was established in 1983 and advocates for over 1,500 abused and neglected children who have Family Court Involvement annually.
We are one of a few CASAs that serve 100% of child abuse victims in their jurisdiction.
Interested in learning more or becoming a volunteer? Visit the RCCASA website.
What We Do
Our staff recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to:
- Conduct an independent investigation of the Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Identify resources to assist the family
- Prepare court reports for Family Court with recommendations that are in the best interest of the child(ren)
- Attend Family Court Hearings as the voice of the child(ren)
- Monitor the case to ensure Family Court Orders are followed
- Conduct monthly welfare checks, ensuring the children's needs are being met and their culture is being respected
- Employees also carry caseloads as Guardian ad Litems (GALs)
Community Engagement
We are a community-based organization that heavily relies on volunteers. Our staff attends many community events to raise awareness of child abuse and recruit volunteers to become Guardian ad Litems. We host a quarterly Quarterback recruitment event to recruit male volunteers.
Department Head
Dante Roberts
Director Roberts started his journey with RCCASA over 15 years ago as a volunteer where he advocated in several cases over a four-year span before joining the CASA staff as a Case Coordinator. Now as Executive Director since 2020, his focus is on a fluent working environment and excellent service to the public under Richland County's vision of Operational Excellence.