CASA PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS

Child Enrichment's CASA Program is currently serving almost 200 children right here in the Augusta region of Georgia. The number of children needing our help continues to grow. To help meet the need, the CASA program is looking for dedicated adults who are willing to take on an important role for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes. A CASA Volunteer is a court appointed special advocate. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect and to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home, as well as ensuring that all of their needs are being met. A CASA’s ultimate goal is to make a recommendation to the judge on what / where is the safest, permanent placement for that child. They stay involved with each case until it is closed, when the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who is focused on their needs.

CASA volunteers have a sincere care for children, are mature adults at least 21 years of age that have good verbal & written skills and ability to be objective and non-judgmental. They are available to attend and represent the child/children at court hearings and commitment to CASA for at least 1 year. All potential volunteers are carefully screened and must undergo local, GBI and FBI criminal background checks.

GENERAL VOLUNTEERS

Being a volunteer with Child Enrichment is a critically important role and is very rewarding.  Because of the nature of the work, the emotional and physical trauma these children have experienced, Child Enrichment sets the highest standards in protecting and advocating for the children we serve.  To become a Child Enrichment volunteer, you must be willing to complete a thorough application process, an interview with staff, and pay for a Law Enforcement Background check which shows no criminal or otherwise unacceptable history.

TRAINING

Child Enrichment’s next CASA volunteer training will be held in February 2010, with the first class beginning Thursday, February 4th at 5:30p.m. Training will continue, Friday & Saturday, February 5th & 6th from 9:00-6:00, Sunday, February 7th from 2:00-5:00, Monday, February 8th from 5:30-8:30 and concluding Tuesday, February 9th with training at 5:30p.m. CASA volunteers receive 40 hours of specialized training (30 in the classroom and 10 as court observation) to learn the skills necessary to advocate for children.

 E-mail: azahner@ChildEnrichment.org