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OUR IMPACT
WHAT IS A CASA ADVOCATE?
Child Advocacy Program
CASA serves children involved in the court system due to emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment. A trained CASA volunteer is assigned to work one-on-one with the child and to gather objective information from all parties such as parents, social workers, teachers, doctors, therapists, and foster parents. Before court hearings, the CASA volunteer meets with the numerous professionals and caregivers involved and makes a written report to the court regarding actions in the best interest of the child. The CASA volunteer remains assigned until a permanent resolution and placement of the child is achieved.
Teen Advocacy Program
Our Teen Advocacy Program addresses the specific needs of the older youth who are referred to CASA. Older youth are significantly less likely to find a permanent home through adoption or legal guardianship. As a result, youths often "age out" of foster care without the tools, resources, and support to be self-sufficient. The Teen Advocacy program pairs teens with specially trained CASA volunteers to help guide and support them during their critical transition to independence.
CASA volunteers within the program have completed Fostering Futures, a curriculum designed to engage older youth in actively planning their transition to independence. Above the advocate role, the presence of these specially trained CASAs to guide teens in examining their futures can have profound impacts on their educational, employment, and social outcomes.
To learn more about CASA's Fostering Futures program or to see if there is an upcoming training, contact Program Manager, Sarah,
Divorce/Custody Program
CASA serves children whose families are involved in court due to disputes over child custody and visitation. A trained CASA volunteer is assigned to work one-on-one with the child and to gather objective information from all parties. The CASA volunteer also helps create a support system for the family by making them aware of existing community resources. The volunteer helps focus attention on the needs of the child, monitors court orders, and reports findings and concerns in a written report to the court.
"You can save the life of a child. I can't emphasize enough how
important the role of CASA is to every child who needs one."
Betty Barnett, CASA Founding Member
