CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work!
CASA volunteers are appointed by Family Court Judges to advocate for the best interest of children in foster care or who have experienced abuse or neglect. We provide training for CASA volunteers to do the following:
Learn all you can about the child and his/her family life.
Engage and spend time getting to know the child through regular visits.
Recommend by ensuring their needs are met and speaking up for the child's best interest in court
Collaborate with others to make sure necessary services are provided and are in the child's best interest.
Report what you have learned and observed in court.
There will be an upcoming virtual training opportunity starting in February, to inquire please contact Anne Jacobsen at ajacobsen@mhadutchess.org or (845) 214-4812.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
c/o Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Inc., 515 Haight Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, US
"I Am For The Child"
Having a CASA as part of Family Court proceedings guarantees that there’s always going to be someone who’s purely on the side of those who matter most-the children. CASA's are volunteers and complete 40 hours of training and ten hours of Family Court observation before being sworn in by the Chief Judge of the Family Court.
CASAs will visit and interview everyone needed to get a clear picture of the situation, whether it’s parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors-you name it. If needed, they will submit a written report for a hearing and even testify. Most CASA volunteers feel passionate about their work and volunteer for years.
Multiple locations Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
July 24, 2023
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