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What is the CASA program?
Court
Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) believe that children deserve a
safe, loving, and permanent home. Men and women who are trained
community volunteers in Oneida and Herkimer Counties are appointed
by the Family Court Judge to speak up for abused and neglected
children in court.
How
does this service benefit the child? With
the information provided by CASA volunteers, Judges are better able
to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child:
returning to their parents, foster care, or adoption. With the help
of CASA volunteers, decisions can be made in a more timely manner so
children have a better chance of a safe and happy childhood.
Research shows that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers
tend to spend less time in court and within the foster care system
than those who do not have CASA representation.
What
does a CASA do?
The CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members,
involved agencies, school officials, health providers and others who
are knowledgeable about the child's history. CASA volunteers also
speak with Law Guardians, other attorneys and case workers. The
CASA volunteer reviews all records pertaining to the child --
school, medical, court as well as other documents. The CASA
volunteer then provides the judge with a carefully researched
background of the child to help the court make a sound decision
about that child's future.
Does the Advocate provide legal advice?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation. That is
the role of the child's law guardian. However, the CASA volunteer
does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys
in presenting their cases.
What does it take to become a CASA?
There is
no special experience required. Our CASA volunteers come from all
cultures, ethnicities, professions, and educational backgrounds. As
part of our training, volunteers are educated in courtroom
procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the
special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. This
training consists of 34 to 36 hours of education and an additional
4 hours of court observation. Other skills necessary include:
-
A
commitment to children
-
Objectivity
-
Responsibility
-
Good
communication skills
-
The
ability to talk with all kinds of people, some of whom will be
dealing with difficult issues
-
4
- 15 hours per month to devote to the program
How great is the need for this service?
Only one out of four abused or
neglected children in our service area currently have a CASA
speaking up for their best interests. You can offer your skills and
time to help abused and neglected children who are caught in the Red
tape surrounding the court system. You can volunteer to speak up
for a child in court. As a CASA volunteer, your voice can help
these children find a safe, permanent, nurturing home where they can
thrive. You can make a huge difference for local children that need
you.
What is your service area?
We provide advocacy services in
Oneida and Herkimer counties.
Can I request an Advocate for my child directly from your office?
All Advocates are appointed by the court system, however you may
request that the judge appoint a CASA for your child.
Is
this program affiliated with the Department of Social Services?
No, The Peacemaker Program is a private non profit agency that
administers that CASA program in Oneida and Herkimer counties.
Advocates work with all involved agencies.
What other advocacy services do you offer?
Our Child Custody Advocate Program provides similar services for
children caught in the middle of difficult custody disputes. Many
of our volunteers are trained
and
serve as advocates in both programs. |