You CAN Help: Become a CASA

I started a series on practical ways in which you CAN help and you CAN make a difference in the orphan crisis.  I'm a firm believer that taking care of orphans is a mandate for the church, not a suggestion or a guideline.  However, I believe many do not feel called to foster or adopt and are not sure what to do.  In December we looked a having A Wise Christmas.  Now I want to talk about being a CASA.

What is a CASA?

A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate.   CASA's are appointed to foster kids to be their advocate.  They are there for the kids and the kids only (and will be the only person in that court room that is there for only the kids).

What does a CASA do?

A CASA will be given a court order that will allow them access to any information they want.  There job is to talk to the many different people (teachers, birth parents, foster parents, doctors, counselors, etc) involved in these kids lives and figure out what is truly best for the children .

How much work is a CASA?

Being a CASA is not easy.  They take one case at a time and those cases can take a year or two.  Initially a CASA has meetings about once a week and as things settle and decisions are made it may only be once a month.  It is a time commitment, but one I feel is well worth it!

How great is the need?

The goal of the courts is to have one CASA per case.  However, there are just not enough to go around.  In our county we have two supervisors with 30 CASA's per supervisor.  Our judge determines which cases need a CASA most.

What do I need to become a CASA?

First you will need a heart that desperately loves these kids.  You need a little bit of time and flexibility to your schedule.  You'll have to do some pretty intense trainings (I believe its 40 hours worth), and on going training.  You'll also need a little bit of thick skin.  You are the advocate for the child and only the child, which means you may make others (birth parents and foster parents in particular) upset.

CASA's typically have a lot of say in the case (in our county the judge agreed with them 92% of the time).  This is a way to make a BIG difference in the lives of children.  You will be able to see things that no one else can see.  I know a few CASA's and they are pretty incredible people!  I know God has His hand on them as they wade through their cases.  I pray that if we get a CASA they will be as incredible as those I know.

To learn more about being a CASA check out their website.