Approximately, 500,000 children in the country each year are removed from their families and placed in some form of foster care. Many times children in the custody of the state can get lost in the system and remain adrift in foster care. The CASA volunteer can get things moving, doing things the courts don't have the time, money, or manpower for.
The volunteer conducts an independent investigation which includes interviewing all people involved - especially the child, plus collecting any pertinent information. A formal report is then submitted to the court, recommending the best placement for the child. The volunteer also monitors the case to make sure all services are provided quickly and properly.
A "CASA" is a volunteer appointed by the District courts to ensure that the needs of a child who may have been neglected or abused are met. In order to do this, CASA must investigate the facts for the case, recommend a course of action to the court, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems and monitor progress toward established goals. Ultimately, this helps determine the best place for a child to have a safe and happy home.
Who Would Make A Great Volunteer?
Any adult with the desire and time to help an abused and/or neglected child can become a volunteer. Sensitivity, dedication, and common sense are more important attributes than educational background or work experience. You don't have to have a degree in social work, or even a legal background. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence, and commitment.
Volunteering Is Important
CASA helps to end the cycle of child abuse. It further reduces the likelihood that these children will be revictimized or enter the criminal justice system.
CASA for Children strives to provide Hope, Healing, and Justice by empowering volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. Our program and its volunteers serve abused children in the following AR and TX counties: Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Bowie, and Cass. Please call for more information about volunteering. You can make a difference.
Training is available in the county which you reside.
"Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless."
