Volunteering with CASA for Children

By Emma Wise

Introduction

A dental assistant in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Emma Wise devotes much of her personal time to volunteering in her community. Emma Wise has served as a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children.

CASA

CASA for Children exists to protect the rights and needs of children in the foster care system. The organization depends on the service of volunteer advocates, who take it upon themselves to speak for a particular foster child in legal proceedings. The volunteer begins by gathering information about the child from relatives, teachers, foster parents, social workers, and others who know the child well. The volunteer then uses this information to determine what the child most needs in a permanent home and fights to make sure that he or she has those needs fulfilled.

Conclusion

CASA for Children volunteers come from all professions and all parts of the United States. The primary requirements are that the volunteer is 21 years of age or older, can pass a background check with provided references, and agrees to see each assigned case through to completion. To help volunteers maintain this commitment, all approved advocates receive comprehensive training and continuing support from trained professionals.