Become a CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are individuals who primary goal is to be a voice for vulnerable children within the foster care system. CASA volunteers are specially trained to work on behalf of children in foster care to ensure the children receive the care and services they need. The CASA representative’s only job is to look out for the child’s best interest, from the time they enter foster care until they are reunited with their family or placed for adoption.
“Parents are supposed to provide love and support. But when that doesn’t happen, someone needs to speak up and protect the children who otherwise remain victims.”
CASA volunteers listen first. Then act. Volunteers are advocates for foster children of all ages, many of whom may be victims of abuse and neglect. These are the most vulnerable children in our community. The CASA volunteer advocates for the child by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers, and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA, or are looking for additional information, please click the link below. Access CNY provides volunteer training for the Central New York Region.