CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocates was created to make sure the abused and neglected children involved in the Family Court System have a voice in court. Volunteers monitor the cases in order to help the judge make a better informed decision as to the permanent placement of the children.

Description:
CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocates is designed to make sure the abuse and neglect of these children does not continue at the hands of the system. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. CASA volunteers work with attorneys and social workers. They review records and research information and talk to everyone involved - parents, teachers, family members, and of course, the child. Volunteers present this information to the court to help the judge make a decision that is in the best interest of the child.

Volunteers are required to give 10-15 hours per month, have good communication skills, be responsible, and commit to the CASA program for at least one year.

History:
CASA is a national non-profit organization that began in Seattle, Washington. CASA currently has volunteers in almost every state, and is rapidly growing. CASA of Erie County has been active for over 13 years and is entering into an expansion mode.

Contact people:

Carol Demme, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email) Susan Holden, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

282 Babcock Street Buffalo, NY 14210 (See a map)

Overall Experience   
great

Lawyers for Learning posted by MaryMartin on March 3, 2008