What it is?

 Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are everyday people who are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. A CASA volunteer stays with each child until they are placed into a safe, permanent and nurturing home.

History

 Concerned over making decisions about abused and neglected children's, Superior Court Judge David Soukup, envisioned the idea of using trained community volunteers to voice the best interests of these children in court. Since 1976, this Seattle program has proven very successful. In fact,  other judges across the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1990, the U.S. Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act. Today more than 900 CASA programs are in operation, with 42,400 women and men serving as CASA volunteers.  There are currently fourteen CASA programs in Tennessee.

Training

 The National CASA program has developed a 40-hour curriculum and accompanying materials which we have adapted  to our community. Topics included are the court process, child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, advocacy and interviewing techniques, HIV and other public health topics, etc. A volunteer supervisor or program director is available to discuss your case, help problem solve, and make sure you get any legal support you need.

CASA Volunteer

 CASA volunteers are assigned by a judge to cases that involve abuse and/or neglect of children. These CASA volunteers conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, interviewing everyone involved, including the child. Additionally, CASA volunteers make reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help her make an informed decision.  During the case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child's situation to make sure he remains safe. 

 "When you take on a case, you take on a child's future." CASA volunteers may be the only constant the child knows as he/she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.  Thus, we ask you to make a commitment of at least a year. Some cases last longer. The amount of time you spend on a case will vary depending on the stage of the proceedings.

Schedule

CASA University

The Center for Family Development

100 East Side Square

Shelbyville TN   37160

1-888-462-2999

COMING SOON

*Graduation and Swearing In To Be Determined by County*

For more information, call:

Lynne Farrar or

Benita Caldwell

931-684-4676

Contact Lynne Farrar for more information