A Court Appointed Special Advocate's (CASA) main purpose is to advocate for the best interests of a child who is in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. The CASA stands with a child for the entirety of his or her case, until the child achieves permanency in a safe and stable home. A CASA volunteer becomes a constant figure for a child whose teachers, social workers, and other influences are always changing. Responsibilities include:
Completion of 6 week virtual training class and court room observations prior to case assignment
Weekly visits with their assigned child
Forming and maintaining a working knowledge of the assigned child's situation
Appearing in court to advocate for the child's best interest based on his or her situation
Current CASA volunteers love what they do and are committed to changing their kids' lives for the better. Many have shared their experiences as volunteers and what led them to volunteer. One volunteer shares that she was an abused child who never received help, and that she is a CASA volunteer to be a voice and support for kids who went through similar situations as she did. Another comments on the impact being a CASA has on his life, saying "My life is fuller because of the awesome connections that I have made with not only the kids but other adults that have the time and caring to volunteer just like I do." Just as volunteers have an impact on their assigned kids' lives, the kids have an impact on their volunteers' lives as well.
Become a volunteer: http://www.casaforkidsinc.org/volunteer.html
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About CASA FOR KIDS INC
Location:
1045 INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, MI 48813, US
Mission Statement
The mission of CASA for Kids, Inc. is to provide volunteer advocates to work independently for the best interests of each child of service coming under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Barry, Eaton, and Ingham County Courts due to abuse and neglect.
Description
How Do CASA Volunteers Help Children?
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group homes or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care.
Advocacy & Human Rights
Children & Youth
Justice & Legal
WHEN
Tue Feb 23, 2021 - Thu Apr 01, 2021
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
WHERE
3303 W Saginaw StSte B2Lansing, MI48917
(42.74065,-84.59496)
DATE POSTED
February 9, 2021
SKILLS
Child Welfare
Child Advocacy
Critical Thinking
Relationship Building
Verbal / Written Communication
Special Needs
GOOD FOR
People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
Background Check
Must be at least 21
Orientation or Training
Average 2-5 hours per week once assigned. Training is 40 hours over the span of 8 weeks.
Must successfully pass screening requirements: written application, personal interview, three personal references, criminal background check, and Child Abuse Central Registry check. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
