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, to inquire please contact Anne Jacobsen at ajacobsen@mhadutchess.org or (845) 214-4812.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About CASA of Dutchess County
Location:
c/o Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Inc., 515 Haight Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, US
Mission Statement
"I Am For The Child"
Description
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.
