The first CASA program began in Seattle in 1977 as an idea of Judge David Soukup, a
juvenile court judge. In 1982 the National CASA Association was established to serve as an
umbrella organization for the growing number of programs in the country. There are now
over 1,000 programs operating throughout the United States.
In 1985, Oregon legislature authorized a pilot CASA project. In 1987, legislature mandated
that all Oregon children in state care who were abused and neglected should be appointed an Advocate.
All Oregon counties currently operate a CASA Program. CASA of Eastern Oregon began in
1996.