I was a volunteer with CASA for 3 years. At every turn, this role required constant interaction with people from all walks of life: judges, social workers, single mothers, children in foster care or those living in shelters. I can honestly say that it was a constant privilege to help bring justice, love, and hope to children’s lives through my role as a CASA, despite the often heart-wrenching stories and frequent frustrations that come with trying to be an effective advocate in juvenile court deprivation proceedings.
The most important thing to understand is that in these proceedings, children are the victims and they are the only ones who do not have legal representation. Parents come with their attorneys to court. Children (in most cases) are not even allowed to be present at the hearing where their future is being decided. Someone needs to talk on their behalf and on their best interest. Casa volunteers do that, they bring the voice, desires, and hopes of the children into the court room and fight for a brighter future for them.
I joined Children's Voice: CASA Board of Directors because I am a believer in the program. I see how it helps children who need help whether it's in school, in their homes, getting a family or whatever they may need.
This organization works with various agencies to ensure every foster child can find a safe, permanent & loving home. Primarily funded through grants, the organization requires additional funds from individuals and businesses to meet the increasing financial costs associated with reaching its goals and objectives. Most cases require an average of eighteen months for a child to either be reunited with original guardian or successfully placed in a permanent foster home. The CASA volunteer is often the one common relationship the child comes to depend upon during the process. This organization is vital to the success for the child.