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74 people are interested
Court Appointed Special Advocate
ORGANIZATION: Porter County CASA Program
Please visit the new page to apply.
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74 people are interested
Volunteers at Porter County CASA are working diligently to ensure that the needs of children involved in the child welfare system do not fall through the cracks. Will you consider helping?
The Porter County CASA mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who provide quality, child-centered advocacy that leads to a safe home and promising future for every child who is a victim of abuse or neglect.
A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a dedicated community volunteer who has been trained to advocate for the needs of children involved in the court system due to no fault of their own.
Judges appoint trained CASA volunteers to be the voice in court for these children. A CASA's unique knowledge of a child’s situation allows them to make independent and informed recommendations that help the judge decide what’s in a child’s best interest.
CASA representation ensures that every child suffering abuse or neglect receives the support of a caring and consistent volunteer during the toughest time in their life. It ensures that children remain top priority in an overburdened child welfare system, and gives them a better chance at breaking dysfunctional life cycles so they may ultimately heal and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
In Porter County, CASA has been a part of the Family & Youth Services Bureau since 1989, and is a member program of The National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
The value of CASAs speaking up for children in court has never been more vital. Being a part of the CASA program can be a life-changing experience that makes our community a better place.
More opportunities with Porter County CASA Program
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About Porter County CASA Program
Location:
253 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383, US
Mission Statement
The Porter County CASA Program mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who provide quality, child-centered advocacy that leads to a safe home and promising future for every child who is a victim of abuse or neglect.
Description
Porter County CASA is a member of the National CASA Association for Children. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Porter County CASA has been a program of the Family & Youth Services Bureau since 1989.
A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a dedicated community volunteer who has been trained to advocate for the needs of children involved in the child welfare system due to parental abuse or neglect.
A CASA’s unique knowledge of a child’s situation allows them to make independent and informed recommendations to the court that help the judge decide what’s in a child’s best interest.
CASA representation ensures that every child impacted by abuse or neglect receives the support of a caring and consistent volunteer during the toughest time in their life. It ensures that children remain top priority in an overburdened child welfare system, and gives them a better chance at breaking dysfunctional life cycles so they may ultimately heal and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
Over the past half decade the number of children who have suffered abuse and neglect and entered into the child welfare system has increased exponentially due in large part to the opioid crisis. In fact, in the last three years, an average of over 350 children annually experienced abuse and neglect and received advocacy by Porter County CASA volunteers.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
257 W. LincolnwayValparaiso, IN 46383
DATE POSTED
April 15, 2024
SKILLS
- Child Advocacy
- Youth Services
- People Skills
- Verbal / Written Communication
- Relationship Building
- Child Welfare
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- On average, a CASA can expect to spend approximately 10-12 hours a month on a case. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the stage and characteristics of the case. Typically, the average case lasts about a year.