Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that allows you to have a direct impact on a young person's life? Are you looking for something where your input will be valued and sought out? Do you believe that the best way to improve the future is through our youth? If this sounds like you, CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, of Travis County would like you to consider coming to work with them.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are assigned to a child who has been placed in the foster care system. It is the volunteer's job to get to know the child and the people in the child's life so that a well rounded view of the child may be presented to the judge.This is done by reviewing case records and speaking with family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and others directly connected to the child and their case.
After becoming familiar with the child and their case, the CASA volunteer will represent the child's best interest in court by speaking on their behalf. They will prepare a written report giving their recommendation based on their knowledge of the child to the judge and this report will be taken into account when a decision is made on the child's placement.
CASA of Travis County was established in 1985 and that year, with the help of 43 volunteers, they served 85 children. In 2009, 1,106 children were served by Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA of Travis County currently has over 400 volunteers. With the demand for Special Advocates growing yearly now is the time to get involved.
Volunteers are needed from all walks of life. Experience with different cultures and languages is a plus. Volunteers are required to commit to one year and give approximately 10 to 20 hours a month. Getting started requires a one on one interview, background check and 30 hours of training which is broken down into sessions that can be fit into your schedule. After training is completed volunteers are sworn in as Officers of the Court giving them legal authority to have access to the child's records and submit reports to the court.
CASA has a qualified staff always there to back up their volunteers. They are funded by Grants, donors, and fundraising. CASA works closely with many local organizations including Austin Recovery, Any Baby Can and the Adoption Coalition of Texas.
Come out to support CASA on Monday, May 3 at The Hills Country Club when they will host the CASA Kids Golf Classic. Put together a foursome or sign up as an individual. Not a player? Volunteers are still needed. Learn more here.
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