 |
|
CASA of Saginaw County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are specially trained volunteers who provide a powerful voice in the Saginaw County court system for children who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect.
Every child has the right to a safe, permanent and caring home. Yet, according to the Saginaw County Department of Human Services, each year in Saginaw County over 500 children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect. More than 400 of these children live in foster care or with relatives because it is not safe to return home. Most of these children will end up in court. Their only "crime" is that they have been victims.
What is a CASA?
CASAs are ordinary people making extra-ordinary contributions to the lives of abused and neglected children. They are citizen volunteers, specially trained and appointed by Family Court judges to speak up for these most vulnerable children. CASAs are respected and trusted sources of crucial information. A CASA will research the care, assess the facts, identify key problems, and submit court reports. They attend hearings, provide insight to the judge and recommend actions in the best interest of the child.
It is up to a Family Court judge to decide the child's future.
- Is it safe to return home?
- Will they remain in foster care for the rest of their childhood?
- Will adoption be the permanent solution?
A CASA volunteer is appointed to only one or two children at a time. They work in partnership with attorneys and foster care workers as appointed officers of the court. The CASA takes time to find out as much as possible about the child from relatives, neighbors, teachers and friends, and provides objective information to the Family Court judge. The CASA may be the only consistent adult a child has contact with during their case, which can last up to two years.
What Does It Take To Be a CASA?
Commitment to children, common sense and persistence, objectivity, responsibility, communication skills, the ability to talk to a variety of people, some of whom will be struggling with their own problems and about 15 - 20 hours a month.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professionals, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Social work or legal background is not required. CASA volunteers are screened to ensure the safety of the children. They receive over 30 hours of training on Michigan law, the child protection system, the dynamics of abuse and neglect, child development and the juvenile justice system.
CASA of Saginaw County
Our mission is to provide a powerful voice that advocates for a safe, permanent and loving environment for children who are in Saginaw County's court system because of abuse or neglect. CASA of Saginaw County, a program of the Child Abuse and Neglect Council , was started with support from the Junior League of Saginaw Valley, United Way of Saginaw County, Saginaw Community Foundation, Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation, Frank N. Andersen Foundation, and generous individuals within the community. CASA is accredited with the National CASA. Click here for more information on National CASA
For additional information on becoming a CASA in Saginaw County, email or call (989) 752-7226. |
