Sept. 12, 2024
CASA Press Release
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are concerned citizens who are trained to be the eyes and ears of the juvenile court judge. These everyday heroes interview the children, their families and anyone who has information regarding the family. They read and study all reports pertaining to the families then report their findings to the court and make recommendations concerning the best interest of these children who have been abused and/or neglected.
CASA of Western Oklahoma is dedicated to improving the lives of the children in the Oklahoma foster care system in Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties. Our specially trained volunteers strive to become a positive, stable influence for children while ensuring they have a voice in the courts and the services they need for a stable future.
Executive Director, Jackie Aaron, stated that in 2023, 69 CASA of Western Oklahoma volunteers served 200 children on 90 cases in our service area. Unfortunately, this number represents only a percentage of the children that are currently in the foster care system in our area.
We are seeking individuals that might be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer to help close this gap while serving the needs of these children. Each CASA volunteer dramatically improves the lives of children experiencing foster care by working with the child until they are placed in a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers often become the one constant adult presence in the child’s life. CASA of Western Oklahoma worked with over 200 children in 2023 and the need remains great for more volunteers.
CASA Volunteers must be 21 years of age, be willing to commit to at least a year of service, participate in a free in-depth training, and pass an OSBI and national background check. CASA volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. Many work full-time along with volunteering as a CASA while others work part-time, are retired, or are college students. The common thread that links all volunteers together is the desire to make a difference in the life of an abused child.
Flex Training offers flexibility and fewer hours in the classroom. Half of the training is online at your own pace and the other half is in-person. This option gives our volunteers more flexibility.
Volunteer as a CASA – Stand up for a child today. Your advocacy gives children in the foster care system a voice. Helping a child begins in your heart — for more information about becoming a CASA or other ways to help visit www.casawok.org or email Tamra Misak at tamra.misak@casawok.org.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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