Court Appointed Special AdvocatesEvery year, more than 3 million children nationally are reported abused or
neglected. Here in Kearney and Buffalo Counties we see an average of 60 new cases each year. Despite the states' attempts to help, many of these kids become
trapped in the court and child welfare maze and can spend their childhood moving
from one temporary shelter to another. This is where a CASA volunteer comes in.
What is a CASA Volunteer?CASA Volunteers are everyday citizens who volunteer their time to be the eyes and ears of the court in abuse and neglect cases to provide the court with an independent report of the facts of the case and to advocate for the best interests of the child.
Studies have shown that once a CASA volunteer is assigned to an abused or neglected child, the child is much more likely to receive vital services such as health care, education, and therapy. By getting involved as a CASA volunteer, you can help create healthier families and communities - and change the course of a child's life.
What do CASA Volunteers Do?- Gather information about the child by observing, visiting with anyone involved in the child's life, reviewing records, and attending meetings and court hearings.
- Report and make recommendations to the judge
- Advocate for the child's needs through the report and in team meetings.
- Monitor until the child has a safe permanent home.
