CASA volunteers represent children’s interests in court matters

A CASA volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child or family of children in the court system.

The volunteers get to know the child while also gathering information from the child’s family, teachers, caregivers and anyone else involved in the child’s life.

CASA advocates make informed recommendations based on their independent investigation as to the child’s best interest. The advocate is charged with identifying the child’s needs and strengths and ensuring services, family visits and other court orders are completed.

Advocates act as a communications link in the maze of the child welfare system, ensuring the child’s voice is heard.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and do not require any specialized degrees or legal experience. They are simply people who care about children and their commitment to advocate for their best interests.

“What keeps me coming back are the cases that end well, and the knowledge that I helped that process. I love seeing a child who may have come from a dysfunctional home, or a sad life, blossom into a child who feels safe and loved. It is always a happy day when I see that I have made a difference in a child’s life.” said Nancy Murphy, CASA volunteer and Advisory Council Member of the CASA Program in Kay and Noble Counties.

Studies have shown that children who have been appointed a CASA volunteer receive more assistance and support than children without, and are more likely to be adopted or returned to their families and less likely to reenter the child welfare system.

To learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or to complete on online volunteer application, visit www.KayNobleCASA.org or call Northern Oklahoma Youth Services CASA Program at (580) 762-8341.