If you are looking for a way to help change a child’s life by volunteering, consider becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).  Each year, thousands of children are thrust into court through no fault of their own.  Some are victims of violence, psychological torment, or sexual abuse.  Others have been neglected or abandoned by their own parents.  Most are frightened and confused.  Often these children also become victims of the overburdened child welfare system – a complex legal network of lawyers, social workers, and judges who are too frequently overworked to give thorough, detailed attention to each child.  In these cases it is essential that a CASA  be assigned by the juvenile court judge to advocate for the child’s best interest.  

CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. They conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, interviewing everyone involved, including the child. They make reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help him in making an informed decision. CASA volunteers can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the court has ordered – things like substance abuse counseling or special education testing. During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child’s situation to make sure he remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant the child knows as she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.  CASA volunteers make a difference in children’s lives.

There is a video that we have used in our training for several years.  In the video a young girl (Suzie) who is about 13 talks about being taken into foster care at age 3.  Suzie, now 22, speaks of her experiences often.  She tells her story with remarkable insight and maturity.  As a foster child she lived in 14 different homes, some of which were abusive and neglectful.  After she had been in foster care for 5 years, a CASA visited another foster child living in the same home with her and her brother.  The CASA found out Suzie had been in care for all this time without an advocate, and asked the court if she could be Suzie’s CASA.

In the years prior to being assigned a CASA, Suzie had been in several foster homes, some of which were less than desirable.  She was once in a three bedroom trailer with 14 other foster children. They were physically and psychologically abused, starved and mistreated.  No one believed her when she tried to tell the authorities, because the other children were too scared to come forward.  Her CASA was the first person to believe her and made sure she was placed in a proper foster home.  Ultimately, Suzie’s CASA found her the adoptive family that changed her life.  Suzie was 13 when she was adopted; an age that many believe is unadoptable. Suzie’s CASA did not give up and was relentless in her efforts to find permanency for Suzie.  Today, Suzie is a college graduate (with honors), has two wonderful parents, and has become a CASA herself.  Her story is one of hope and success.  She attributes her success to her CASA’s dedication.  All foster children’s stories do not end like this, but they can all have better lives with the help of dedicated DFCS workers and CASAs.

You can make a big difference in a child’s life by becoming a CASA.  The 10 session training course will start in Milledgeville on September 27.  After completing the coursework, you will be sworn-in by a judge and become an officer of the court.  Please call 478-452-9170 or email ocasash@baldwin.k12.ga.us to get an application.  Our website is www.ocmulgeecasa.org.   CASAs are badly needed, please consider this opportunity.