UMCHS - Umatilla Morrow Head Start, Inc

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER
If you are looking for a way to help children in the community, CASA is for you. If you want to be a voice for children without a voice, CASA is for you. Become a CASA volunteer today. CASA of Umatilla County Umatilla Morrow County Head Start Chris Cooper 110 NE 4th Hermiston, OR 97838 Phone: 541-922-3482 Fax: 541-922-3483 Email: ccooper@umchs.org

How do I become a CASA

If you have a willingness to help children and be their voice, you can be a CASA. To become a CASA, you must complete the following steps.

Complete an application and interview
Pass a fingerprint and criminal history background check.
Complete 36 hours of initial training and orientation. All of the training must be completed.
Be sworn in as an officer of the court.
Meet with the case manager for a case assignment
CONGRATULATIONS!! You are a CASA Volunteer.

To become a CASA volunteer, contact Chris Cooper at (541) 922-3482, or ccooper@umchs.org

Why CASA?

CASA began over 30 years ago, when a judge became concerned about making decision on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to speak up for the best interests of the child in the courtroom.

Today, the law requires that every child in foster care be appointed a CASA. The CASA acts as the voice for the child. When a child enters the child welfare system, suddenly there are many strangers in their lives. There are judges, polices officers, lawyers, counselors, foster parents, and others. This child needs a voice to remind everyone that at the heart of it all, there is a child involved. There are 200 kids in Umatilla County that need that voice. Will you be that voice?

What is a CASA
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA is a volunteer that is appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. CASAs are ordinary men and women that come from all walks of life, educational levels, and ethnic backgrounds, who volunteer to serve as an advocate for a child or sibling group. Each volunteer commits 10-20 hours per month over a 1 1/2 to 2 year period of service. As a result of training and regular program supervision, CASAs bring objectivity, competence, tenacity and consistent advocacy to an overloaded child welfare system.

Role of a CASA
When a CASA volunteer is appointed to a case, he or she is responsible for gathering information, and coordinating as many elements as possible, in order to secure for each child a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. CASAs visit children regularly, review records, interview parents and relatives, consult with teachers and foster care providers. They advocate for the children and families to gain access to needed support and services. They appear in court to advocate on behalf of the child’s needs and best interests.

Function of a CASA

A CASA is a trained citizen volunteer who is a party to the case and subject to the case, and subject to the direction of the court:

There are 4 functions of a CASA

INVESTIGATOR: The CASA thoroughly and conscientiously investigates all of the relevant fact in the situations. Interviews all concerned persons, including parents, child, child welfare workers, foster family, and counselors.

ADVOCATE: The CASA ensures that all of the relevant facts of the situation are presented to the Court. Recommends to the Court what appears to be in the child’s best interests.

FACILITATOR: The CASA expedites placement of the child in a safe permanent home on a timely basis. Encourages appropriate service delivery to meet the child’s needs. Engages collaboration among relevant participants, fostering the child’s best interests.

MONITOR: The CASA continues to report of the child’s situation during the duration of the case, ensuring that court-ordered services are being provided. The CASA encourages the system to handle the cases in a sensitive and expedient manner, which will result in the child’s placement in a safe, permanent home.

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