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A CASA for Children Can Make a Big Difference in Young Lives
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Abused and neglected children need as many people on their side as possible. In some cases, then, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children is appointed by a judge or magistrate to ensure that children have an extra set of eyes and ears on the case to help the court make proper decisions for the child.
In both current placements in our home, CASA's have been assigned. They are a huge help in advocating for each of our foster children to the court, and in helping us discover and take advantage of resources appropriate for each child.
People who give their time to CASA advocacy come from many different places. Some have years of education and professional experience working for children and families. Some have themselves grown up in the foster care system and felt the sorrow of having to move from home to home.
Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. So what does it take to become a CASA volunteer?
- Every volunteer passes a background check and participates in a 30-hour training course.
- After successfully completing the training, the volunteer is assigned his first case. A volunteer’s average time commitment to a case is approximately 10 hours per month.
- Volunteer advocates are asked to dedicate themselves to a case until it is closed. The average case lasts about a year and a half.
- Advocates are supervised every step of the way and always have resources readily available.
CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that trains, supports and supervises community volunteers who advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of abused and neglected children. If you live in one of these counties and want to help foster kids, email casa17th.org or rhea@casa17.com or call 303-654-3378.
If you're in a different area, click here to see whether there is a program in your area.
If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, here's a glance at the requirements.
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