Rooted in Equity: Why We Stand Firm in Our Values
At a time when equity efforts are being rolled back across the country, Family Law CASA is choosing a different path. We are deepening our commitment to ensuring that every child and family in King County is seen, heard, and supported in family court.
By Executive Director, Deidre McCormack Martin
At Family Law CASA, we are proud to be an independent nonprofit organization. We are not a government agency and not part of the King County court system.
Although we are appointed to cases by the court, we serve as a separate, impartial voice, free from institutional bias and deeply committed to equity. Our mission is grounded in a simple but powerful belief:
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and grow toward a strong future, regardless of their background, income, or identity.
But many families face barriers that make this harder to achieve. These barriers, rooted in racism, ableism, classism, and other forms of systemic inequity, affect access to justice and opportunity in every area of life.
A Moment of Reflection
At our most recent board meeting, our 20 board members — leaders from across professions — spoke candidly about the national shift we’re witnessing. Many of us have felt deep concern as both government and corporate sectors step back from their commitments to equity.
But here’s what we know: At Family Law CASA, we’re not stepping back. We’re doubling down.
We were founded because the family court system doesn’t serve all families equally. Children and parents from low-income households, BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ families, immigrants, and people with disabilities continue to face unequal access to justice.
“Values of compassion, care, equity, and justice for all — especially those who’ve been historically marginalized and whose rights are under fire now. When I think about the work we do at Family Law CASA, I’m reminded that our strength doesn’t come from institutions or systems — it comes from people. People who choose to show up, who commit to fairness, and who believe that every child should be heard and have the chance to grow into a stronger future. Even when the world is moving in the wrong direction, we can choose to move forward together.”
Deidre McCormack Martin, Family Law CASA Executive Director, at the 2025 Together for Tomorrow Luncheon.
What Our Commitment Looks Like
We want the families we work with — and the broader community — to know who we are and what we stand for. Our values shape how we operate every day:
• All are welcome here.
• We offer free interpreters for families who speak languages other than English.
• We do not ask about immigration status.
• We approach all people with cultural humility, recognizing each family’s unique story.
• We use anti-racist, trauma-informed, and equitable practices in every parent evaluation.
• We provide ongoing, high-quality training for volunteers to ensure respectful, effective advocacy.
• We center community voice. Our Community Advisory Board (CAB), made up of members with lived and learned experience, helps guide our strategy and decisions.
Why This Work Matters
In King County, more than half of the parents in family law cases don’t have an attorney. That means judges are often asked to make life-altering decisions about a child’s future without a complete picture.
That’s where Family Law CASA comes in. Our Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) conduct thorough, trauma-informed investigations. They speak with parents, children, and others involved, review records, and prepare detailed reports so that judges can better understand each child’s needs.
Last year, we served 176 children. 93% of our recommendations for safe parenting plans were adopted by the Court. Since 2002, we’ve advocated for over 3,500 children in King County.
And while our work is legal in nature, our goal is personal:
We want children to have safe and healthy connections with both parents whenever possible.
We want every family to have an equal chance at justice.
Join Us
If these values resonate with you, we invite you to get involved. You can sign up to be a volunteer CASA, make a gift, or reach out to me directly if you’d like to support our mission in other ways.
Together, we can build a more just, compassionate, and equitable community where all children have the opportunity to thrive.