Every year, hundreds of children throughout the state enter the foster care system due to abuse, neglect, or other unsafe conditions in their homes. CASA for Children is calling on the community to take action by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable youth.
The foster care system is stretched thin, often leaving children without the consistent, personalized support they need. This is where CASA volunteers make an invaluable impact. CASA volunteers are everyday citizens trained to serve as consistent, trusted adults in a child’s life. Volunteers advocate for the best interest of a child in the court system, ensuring their needs are not overlooked and that they have a voice during court proceedings.
“Our CASA volunteers play a vital role in changing the direction of a child’s life,” said Suzanne Hughes, Executive Director of CASA for Children. “They advocate for the children’s needs in court, help ensure the child is placed in a safe and loving environment, and work to break the cycle of abuse and neglect in a family’s story.”
CASA volunteers are appointed directly by a judge and work one-onone with children and their families. Their advocacy includes recommendations for a child’s educational support, mental health resources, and social-emotional development. Volunteers typically commit a minimum of 10 hours per month to their assigned case, conducting research, meeting with the child, and providing resources to the court.
There is an urgent need for additional CASA volunteers to meet the growing demand. The organization hopes to welcome at least 6 additional volunteers to participate in their February training class.
“One caring adult can make all the difference for a child living in foster care,” said Hughes. “Our volunteers provide stability, hope, and a sense of belonging during what is often the most difficult time in a child’s life.”
CASA provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to help volunteers succeed in their advocacy roles. No prior experience is necessary – just a commitment to making a difference in the life of a child.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the children served, all CASA volunteers must pass a criminal and child welfare background screening and complete an interview with CASA staff.
Interested community members can learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer by visiting www.casaok.org or contacting the CASA office at 918-686-8199.
About CASA for Children CASA for Children is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the best interests of children living in the foster care system. Through community volunteers, CASA provides personalized advocacy to ensure each child’s unique needs are met.
