About CASA:

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are community based volunteers who provide a voice for abused and neglected children. CASA advocates serve children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Judges refer the cases of child abuse and neglect to CASA so that one volunteer can be the voice for that abused or neglected child. CASA volunteers consistently conduct at least monthly in person visitation with the child. The CASA advocate’s relationship with the child is based on consistency and the advocate ensures that the child is receiving the support and attention he or she needs while in foster care.

The one-on-one relationship between the child and the advocate is often the only stable, positive relationship the child has. In a complicated legal tangle of social workers, attorneys, therapists and caregivers, it's the court appointed volunteer (CASA) who is the consistent and advocate for the child.

CASA advocates are a powerful voice for children; they provide the court with fact based recommendations on what is in the best interest of children, they identify resources and services for the child and facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties in a case, helping to create a situation in which the child’s needs can be met.

CASA Jefferson is one of more than 1,000 CASA programs nationwide dedicated to providing quality intervention and advocacy services for abused, abandoned, and neglected children. CASA Jefferson recruits and trains community volunteers to:

• Provide a one-on-one stable, adult relationship for an abused child
• Independently monitor the child’s circumstances and provide fact based information to the court in the best interest of a child
• Advocate for a safe and permanent home for each child as soon as possible

Fortunately, CASA volunteers are appointed judicially to serve as advocates for abused children going through dependency court proceedings. CASA volunteers can be the difference between success and failure in a child’s life. By simply listening, encouraging and speaking up for a child, CASA volunteers help these vulnerable children and teens to reach their full potential. Sometimes it is just allowing a child to feel cared about for the first time, and sometimes it is helping to find a loving, permanent home for a child. Clearly, the combination of consistent advocacy for a child’s needs results in a much greater chance that these kids will achieve a bright, successful future.

CASA always needs caring and dedicated community members willing to make an extraordinary difference in the life of an abused child. By dedicating an average of 10 hours a month, you can help an abused or neglected child obtain a safe and permanent home.