Having volunteered to advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system for the last 5 years, it is fitting that my first charity post is about my personal experience as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). If you’ve never heard of CASA, you’re not alone. I had not heard of it either prior to stumbling upon this amazing organization in an online search of “how to help children near me” in 2017, right around the time that Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston.
Amidst the chaos of helping my parents recover from the damage to their home, I felt the need to find an opportunity in my own Fort Worth community where I could actually do something to help. What better way than to use my time and voice to help children that have also been devastated by circumstances that are completely out of their control? After attending an information session at my local program, I realized that this was exactly what I was looking for.
WHAT IS A CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. A child who is removed from their home because it is no longer safe may be appointed a volunteer advocate (a CASA) by a judge to guide them and have a second set of eyes and ears on them when they are placed in the foster care system.
For a quick overview, check out our Charity Snapshot on CASA. For a more in-depth glimpse, keep reading!
WHAT IS A GAL?
Since the CASA programs are run at the local level, in some programs the volunteers are a guardian ad litem (GAL). A GAL may have some different responsibilities than a CASA. It’s best to check at the local level what your program offers and the details of their program.
WHAT DOES A CASA DO?
A CASA is the child’s advocate first and foremost, and provides a constant and reassuring presence in a very unstable and scary time in the child’s life. Since the child’s best interest is the only thing a CASA is looking out for in their advocacy, they provide the stability that every child deserves. This is especially true for a child who has been thrust into the unknown – a brand new environment they have to manage all on their own.
HOW DOES A CASA DO THEIR PART?
A CASA has a whole support system behind them in the CASA staff. An outstanding training program provides the necessary tools for you to understand the trauma the children you will help may have encountered. After you are sworn in by a judge, you are assigned a very knowledgeable Child Advocacy Specialist who guides you through the ins and outs of the advocacy work, the court system, and everything in between. The CASA staff are the ones that will help you do what you do, and they are awesome.
In addition, some CASA programs offer a “Helping Heart” program, so that a friend/family member can complete a short training and become an additional support system. My husband was kind enough to be my Helping Heart, and it provided a space for me to openly discuss my cases with him.
WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?
CASA is a national organization that has local programs. Once you find a program in your area, you can attend a no-obligation Volunteer Information Session and find out how you can literally help a child right in your community.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
The Volunteer Information Sessions are about an hour. Some chapters offer virtual information sessions, such as CASA of Collin County. The info session was eye-opening to me about how much need there was right in my backyard. This is where you will learn about the training, responsibilities, and time commitment of a CASA (only about 12-15 hours/month).
WHAT IF YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM?
Neither does a child who is thrust into it. To see what it is like to be a kid who is thrown into the whirlwind of the foster care system, watch “Emily’s Story” by Texas CASA. You will learn the difference a CASA volunteer can make to a child who would otherwise be alone.
WHAT ARE OTHER WAYS TO HELP BESIDES BEING A CASA ADVOCATE
If you’re unable to be an advocate but still want to support this incredible organization, here are additional ways to support CASA:
- ATTEND your local chapter’s events! In the North Texas Area, both CASA of Tarrant County and Dallas CASA have annual golf tournaments. Others like CASA of Collin County have galas and other fun in-person events throughout the year.
- GIVE in-kind donations that your local chapter needs: old computers, toys/games, gift cards, and infant/toddler items are a few items that kids in the foster care system need. Check your local chapter’s wishlists.
- ADVOCATE FOR LEGISLATION at the national level and ask Congress to prioritize children by writing letters to your congressmen
- DONATE to your local chapter! Financial donations help recruit, train and support CASA volunteers.
- INVITE A SPEAKER from your local CASA chapter to speak to your group, place of worship or organization
- SHARE this article and spread the word!
