Case advocacy in child welfare

This article examines the concept of advocacy in child welfare. Definitions of social advocacy and case advocacy are presented that will perhaps give child advocates, child welfare workers, and social workers a better understanding of the concepts and their roles in the protection of children who have been abused or neglected. A historical account of advocacy efforts on behalf of abused and neglected children in the United States is presented, followed by an analysis of current advocacy efforts, highlighting the potential of court-appointed special advocates (CASAs). The article also presents implications and ideas for social workers to assist in case advocacy efforts for children who are part of the child welfare system.