Making
a Difference with Abuse Children
in the 20th Judicial District
Court
Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, is a non-profit organization started
April 10, 1991, by a group of citizens concerned about the number of
child abuse cases in Carter County. In 1995 CASA expanded its OUTREACH
to the entire 20th Judicial District (Carter, Love, Marshall, Johnston
& Murray counties).
A
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a volunteer appointed by a
Judge of the 20th Judicial District. The volunteer acts as an advocate
for an abused or neglected child. A CASA's responsibilities include
investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, making an
independent evaluation of what is in the child's best interest, both
immediately and in the long run, and monitoring the case until a
permanent plan is approved by the court.
CASAs
are needed because child abuse and neglect is epidemic in America and
in Oklahoma. Hundreds of abuse cases are reported in our area each
year! The judges need volunteers to supply them with information to
ensure that the children are provided a safe home. These children need
an advocate to ensure that they do not get "lost in the system" and
that placements are truly in the best interest of the child.
CASAs
have much to offer toward seeing that the best interests of the child
are served. As CASAs are assigned to only one active case at a time,
they have the time to do the type of in-depth investigation necessary.
Because of their volunteer status, they are able to make completely
independent recommendations and are able to concentrate solely on the
needs of the child. CASAs are able to follow up each case so that a
child does not get lost in the system.
Any adult with the desire and time to
help an abused or neglected child may volunteer to become a CASA.
Sensitivity, dedication and common sense are more important CASA
attributes than educational background and work experience.
Email the
CASA Office
