Speak Up For A Child
Since it’s creation by a family court judge in Seattle, Court Appointed Special Advocates has become one of the most effective programs of its kind. Today there are almost 1,000 CASA programs around the country. It is a unique blend of private support, public need and the kind of people power that comes from 70,000 volunteers all committed to the rights of every child in the foster care and child welfare system.
The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.
There are four key components of the CASA volunteer role:
The mission of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.
There are four key components of the CASA volunteer role:
- Investigation- As a CASA, it is your duty to carry out an objective examination of the situation, including relevant history, environment, relationships, and needs of the child.
- Facilitation- you identify resources and services for the child and facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties involved in the case, helping to create a situation in which the child's needs can be met.
- Advocacy- you give the child a voice. You are responsible for making recommendations to the court regarding the child's best interests.
- Monitoring- just because orders have been presented to the court doesn't necessarily mean they will be carried out. You must report to the court or collaborate with the agencies involved when any of the parties fail to follow those orders and plans.
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I am for the child campaignThe National CASA Program recently launched their I Am for the Child campaign. This is an opportunity for all members of the CASA/GAL network to work smarter and more collaboratively, to create a national movement and reach our goal of serving every child.
Last year, 75,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers helped 240,000 abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. Although, with more than 400,000 children in foster care each year, that leaves about half that are still in need of a CASA volunteer. |
Volunteer Spotlight
Beth Johnson -
A lot of other CASA websites do this and I absolutely love the idea. It's always great to receive encouragement for a job well done.