CASA Volunteer- Court Appointed Special Advocate

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About CASA Programs of Amador and Calaveras

Location:

601 COURT ST STE 210, JACKSON, CA 95642, US

Mission Statement

To provide specially selected and trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers, each as an independent voice, advocate for the best interest of children involved in dependency court, so every abused or neglected child in Amador and Calaveras Counties can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

Description

The idea of a CASA, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, was born over 40 years ago, when a Judge in Seattle realized he was making hard decisions regarding children who had been abused and neglected. He felt that he was not getting the full perspective and that the children often faces many changes in placements, social workers and care providers. He took the idea of a mentor but added the authority of the court to investigate the children's circumstances.

To be a volunteer in this role is important. Children recognize when people are paid to help them. They value that a volunteer is choosing to be with them.

To become a CASA requires a thorough background check as well as training to understand how to be a CASA.

The Amador and Calaveras CASA programs operate under Nexus Youth & Family Services. We serve children who are under the jurisdiction of either Amador or Calaveras Dependency Courts.

Training sessions to become a CASA volunteer are held in both counties frequently throughout the year.