Becoming a CASA
CASA advocates are ordinary citizens from all walks of life. They are dedicated to promoting the needs of children who have been removed from their parents' care due to neglect or physical, emotional or sexual abuse. No special experience or background is required and volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence, and commitment. Volunteers receive 34 hours of training ranging from courtroom procedure to the Juvenile Justice system to the special needs of abused and neglected children.
As advocates, CASA volunteers commit an average of 10-15 hours per month to their cases. It is difficult but gratifying work. Volunteers advocate for children ranging in age from a premature baby born with methamphetamine in his system due to his mother’s addiction, to a teenage girl who has been sexually abused by an adult family member. A child removed from their parents' care and placed in foster care is likely experiencing the most confusing and bewildering time of their life. The volunteer may be the only constant during this traumatic time and the volunteer ensures that the child's physical and psychological needs are met.
The volunteer becomes familiar with everyone involved in the child's life and develops an understanding of the child's needs and best interests. The volunteer attends all court hearings for the child and written reports are submitted to the court addressing the child's current situation, assessment and/or concerns the volunteer may have, and recommendations to the court regarding the child's best interests. The CASA volunteer is an integral piece of the equation in determing the child's long term placement.
As advocates, CASA volunteers commit an average of 10-15 hours per month to their cases. It is difficult but gratifying work. Volunteers advocate for children ranging in age from a premature baby born with methamphetamine in his system due to his mother’s addiction, to a teenage girl who has been sexually abused by an adult family member. A child removed from their parents' care and placed in foster care is likely experiencing the most confusing and bewildering time of their life. The volunteer may be the only constant during this traumatic time and the volunteer ensures that the child's physical and psychological needs are met.
The volunteer becomes familiar with everyone involved in the child's life and develops an understanding of the child's needs and best interests. The volunteer attends all court hearings for the child and written reports are submitted to the court addressing the child's current situation, assessment and/or concerns the volunteer may have, and recommendations to the court regarding the child's best interests. The CASA volunteer is an integral piece of the equation in determing the child's long term placement.
Upcoming Training Dates
Contact:
Crook and Jefferson Counties - Gaylynn Kern, 541.447.7220
Deschutes County - Veronica Theriot, 541.389.1618
We look forward to working with you as you learn more about the CASA program and the positive impact volunteers can make in an abused and neglected child's life.
Crook and Jefferson Counties - Gaylynn Kern, 541.447.7220
Deschutes County - Veronica Theriot, 541.389.1618
We look forward to working with you as you learn more about the CASA program and the positive impact volunteers can make in an abused and neglected child's life.
