What is a CASA?

by Cecelia M. Gonzales People ask, "Just what is a CASA?" Good question. A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate. These advocates are volunteers, people like you and me, who are concerned about the safety and care of our community children. The juvenile court, which is so over- burdened with cases, is especially concerned with children issues; children who are abused, neglected, abandoned, and even killed by their care givers. The court asks CASA Volunteers to develop a caring, positive relationship with assigned children and to find out what the children need and want. By using their advocacy power, CASA Volunteers learn if education, counseling, or improved parenting skills will give children their best chance for safe and happy childhoods. It is within this role that CASA Volunteers best serve children, the court system, and ultimately, their own communities. But the greatest benefit is to Arizona's children. "Every child has a birthright to a safe and permanent home." This statement is the guiding principle for the CASA Program. CASA Volunteers act as the voice for children in the court system. The CASA Volunteer spends time actually getting to know the child as a unique individual, not just a case name. A CASA Volunteer becomes someone who the child can talk with and ultimately helps the court to understand what is in the best interests of that particular child. The CASA Volunteers reports this information in the court hearings. CASA Volunteers are specially trained by the Arizona Supreme Court. The role of the CASA Volunteer is supported by both the state legislature and judiciary, and the official CASA authority is listed in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 8, Section 522. CASA Volunteers can make a world of difference in the life of a child. Speak up and become a CASA Volunteer today. FAQs regarding the CASA Program: *How is the CASA Program funded? The Court Appointed Special Advocate Fund receives 30% of unclaimed state lottery prize money pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 5-518 and 8-524. Funds are appropriated annually by the Arizona state legislature. *What does it take to be a CASA Volunteer? A commitment to children. Common sense and persistence. Objectivity & responsibility. Effective communication skills. The ability to talk with different kinds of people, some of whom will be wrestling with difficult personal problems. About 10 to 15 hours each month to give. *How old do I have to be to become a CASA? Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. *What other things will be required of me to become a CASA Volunteer? Applicants will be screened and undergo a background check to ensure the safety of children. Once accepted, volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, the child protection system, the juvenile court system, and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. *How many children need a CASA Volunteer? In Gila County, nearly 200 children have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Of these children, about 25% are represented by CASA Volunteers. That means many of our children do not have a CASA Volunteer to represent their voice in court. *How many CASA Volunteers are needed? In order for the CASA Program in Gila County to be most effective, 80 CASA Volunteers are required. Currently, there are only 33 CASA Volunteers. We need your help. Does the CASA Program have a web site I can visit? Yes! Go to www.supreme.state.az.us/casa. Whom should I contact to become a CASA Volunteer? In Payson, please contact: Cecille Masters-Webb, CASA Coordinator, 714 S. Beeline Highway, Suite 104, Payson, AZ 85541; 928-474-2242, ext. 7145 or 7146; cmasters-webb@courts.sp.state.az.us In Globe, please contact: Cecelia M. Gonzales, CASA Coordinator, 1100 E. Monroe, Suite 200, Globe, AZ 85501; 928-425-7971, ext. 27 or 47; or via email at cgonzal2@courts.sp.state.az.us.