CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It may sound like a scary volunteer opportunity and many people tell us that they are not sure they are qualified to be a CASA. Here’s a little information about what you need to become a CASA volunteer:
1. Have a heart for abused and neglected children.
2. Be able to pass a background check.
3. Attend our National CASA pre-service training.
4. Attend our swearing-in ceremony where we all meet in one of our courtrooms and new CASAs get sworn in by one of our juvenile court judges – it’s a celebration!
That’s it! You don’t have to come from any specific profession or background to be able to make a difference for a child in foster care. Our CASA staff will walk alongside you during your advocacy.
CASA serves children in foster care by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers to advocate for their best interests. Our CASAs are the only adults whose sole priority is the wellbeing of the child. They ensure that children in foster care receive the support they need while in care and are placed in loving, safe, and permanent homes.
A young lady who was in foster care in Coos County a few years ago stated, “My CASA was the person who fought the hardest for me and she was the only person who wasn’t getting paid to fight.”
Are you ready? We need you and our kids need you! www.orcca.us/casa - CASA@ORCCA.US - 541-435-7103.