Be the voice for a child in foster care. Become an advocate.

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Based in Ulster County, New York, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children provides trained volunteers who offer stability to children in foster care and who speak up for them in family court.

Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. Too many spend years moving from one temporary home to another. They have no family to call their own. They are more likely than other children to face homelessness, unemployment, even prison as adults. That's where CASA steps in. CASA was created to make sure the abuse and neglect these children originally suffered at home doesn't continue and that children can heal from the trauma they have suffered. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. Our goal is that children are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.

CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are committed to doing what is best for a child. All our volunteers complete 40 hours of training in courtroom procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children. We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, and ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Volunteers visit the child to whom they are assigned at least once a month. They work with other adults involved in the child's life to make sure kids get the services and support they need. Finally, they report to the court, letting the judge know their concerns and recommendations.

You must have a schedule that allows you to visit "your" child and to make periodic daytime appearances in Family Court. You must also be able to participate in the full training program. Generally, being a CASA volunteer requires between 10 and 15 hours per month. We ask for a commitment of at least 18 months.

Visit our website www.casaulster.org for an application packet or contact us to receive one.