Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
About
Child Enrichment's CASA Program is nationally and state-accredited. Our CASA program trains community volunteers who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings.
A CASA volunteer protects a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.
CASA Program Services
When a child or sibling group is removed from their parents, temporarily, a Juvenile Court Judge will appoint a person from Child Enrichment’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program. Our promise to each child is that we will stay involved with them until they have a safe and permanent home.
Just last year, 368 children were served
Referrals originate from Juvenile Court Judges
Collaboration with counselors, doctors, religious organizations, schools, and other agencies
Assessing the safety of the home
Understanding the educational, emotional, and health needs of each child
Assessing each possible caregiver for the ability to provide for the child or sibling group
Provision of a comprehensive report to the Judge which is used to determine the best placement for each child.
Best placement determinations are all about the “best interests” and meeting all needs of each child
All services are free of charge for child victims.
CASA is a stabilizing force for these children.
Becoming a CASA Volunteer
CASA Volunteers help save the emotional and physical lives of children who experience abuse and neglect. CASA Volunteers agree to stay involved with their child client or sibling group until each has a safe and permanent home. Requirements include:
Must be 21 years of age
Complete an application and screening interview
Complete a GBI / FBI Criminal Background Check
Complete 30 hours of Classroom training
Complete 3 hours of Courtroom observation
Accept assignment to represent a child or sibling group by the Juvenile Court Judge
Meet with the child or sibling group and become fully informed about all aspects of their lives: Familial; School; Medical, Dental; Emotional, etc.
Meet with the children regularly
Compose and complete comprehensive reports which will be utilized by the Judge to make decisions about future considerations
Complete documentation and other forms to comply with quality care standards
Attend all Juvenile Court Hearings, and testify as is necessary
Attend planning sessions about each child’s future
Working cooperatively with all parties involved
YOU could be the key to helping a child survive
To inquire about volunteering, visit our CASA volunteer page here.
Understanding Foster Care
There are over 21,000 children in Foster Care in Georgia. When a child is removed from her or his parents due to abuse, neglect, or safety issues, a Juvenile Court Judge will place them with relatives; in Foster Care; with people who know the child (Kinship Care); or, in a residential setting. The goal is always to keep the child safe and to make solid plans for her or his future. Reunification with the child’s biological (birth) parents, if possible, is a primary goal. Permanent placement with grandparents or other relatives is common and has high success rates. Placing children with Foster Parents until a permanent placement can be arranged is also common. Adoption is also a form of permanent placement with many long-term advantages for children who cannot be reunified with their birth parents. Guardianship and emancipation are also avenues for Juvenile Court Judges when none of the other options are appropriate or possible.