Contributed Article
GILA COUNTY – A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer is urgently needed for 6-year-old “Christina”. She was removed from her parents by the Department of Child Safety due to concerns about their ability to provide a safe environment, including issues related to substance abuse, an unsafe home and parental incarceration. She is in a new placement, a new school and a new community. She deserves to have someone consistent she knows by her side.
Christina requires an advocate who will represent her safety and best interests during her family’s dependency case while she remains in foster care. She needs someone dedicated to understanding her needs and willing to advocate for those needs. This advocate will provide the judge with an unbiased update on her well-being, desires and necessities for achieving a safe and permanent resolution to her case. Could you be the CASA volunteer she needs?
Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer:
•Visit Christina at least once a month to monitor her progress and needs in her current placement.
•Connect with her care team to stay informed about her physical and mental health concerns.
•Talk with her providers and caregivers about their concerns or recommendations.
•Provide a summary of your findings to the judge to help them make educated decisions for Christina and her family.
In November, there were more than 50 children from Gila County who would benefit from a CASA appointed to their case, but we do not have enough volunteers. Are you able to commit approximately 10-15 hours per month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in our community?
Most of the hours a volunteer donates to their case, is scheduled around the CASA’s availability. No prior experience is required, and comprehensive training is provided at no cost to the volunteer. After completing the training and certification, CASA volunteers will learn about the child and their needs, gather relevant information about the child’s situation, advocate for necessary services and inform the court about what is in the child’s best interest.
Submit your application today!
PLEASE NOTE: This child’s name and some details have been changed to protect the identities of those involved and this child is not eligible for adoption at this time.
