Our Children Need a Voice!
African-American Volunteers Can Make A Difference!
The Alexandria/Arlington Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program is in need of African-American volunteers to advocate on behalf of children caught up in the complex court system. You can be the difference in the life of a child.
Why do we need African-American volunteers?
What does a CASA volunteer do?
What are the responsibilities of a CASA volunteer?
What are the benefits of being a CASA volunteer?
How can I become a CASA volunteer?
How can I learn more about the CASA Program?
What is the CASA Program?
The Alexandria/Arlington Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program has helped hundreds of abused and neglected children within the court system. The program trains community members to act as advocates on behalf of children who have been abused or neglected by their families or caretakers. CASA Volunteers act as the voice of a abused children and ensure that their best interest is kept at the forefront of their court cases.
Learn more about the CASA Program.
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Why do we Need African-American Volunteers?
Children of color are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis System (AFCARS), there were 509,662 children in foster care on September 30, 2004. * Children of color accounted for 57% of these children. To learn more about the children of color in the child welfare system click here to go to the Child Welfare Leagues National Data Analysis Children of Color web page (http://ndas.cwla.org/research_info/minority_child/).
In 2004, nationally, over 24% of all abused and neglected children were African-American. In 2006 in Virginia, over 34% of abused and neglected children were African-American. Also in 2006, approximately 40% of children involved in child abuse and neglect cases in Arlington were African-American.
In 2004, while African-American children represented 15% of the total national population, they represented 35% of the children in foster care nationally and 44% of in Virginia. African-American children currently represent an astounding 50% and 66% of the children served by the child welfare system in Arlington and Alexandria, respectively. African-American children also experience longer stays in foster care than non-African-American children.
The role of a CASA Volunteer is to advocate on behalf of children in the child welfare system. As an advocate for children, CASA Volunteers make recommendations to the court about what is in the best interest of the child. They also work with lawyers, social workers, and other community members to: help ensure that families are receiving the services that are necessary to work towards a resolution; help parents comply with their requirements for reunification; work to find permanency for the child; and work towards reducing the length of time the child spends in foster care.
Currently, there are not enough African-American CASA Volunteers to advocate on behalf of African-American children. Research has shown that children identify with people who look like them. This is why CASA needs you, because in order for a child to open up and really let the adult know how he or she is feeling, he or she need to feel trust. You are familiar with his or her culture and traditions, you know his or her fears and dreams. You can make the difference between whether he or she stays in school or ends up in jail. And if you think you are not qualified to volunteer, don't worry. CASA will train you so that you will be able to help these children.
An African-American CASA Volunteer can offer African-American children and their families a level of support that non-African-American volunteers simply cannot. The positive influences of having an African-American leader, an advocate who has the ability to make a difference in how their lives turn out can be a powerful motivator for children and families. Having a volunteer they can identify with and who understands the culture and family traditions of African-American families can help to increase family cooperation and compliance.
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What does a CASA Volunteer Do?
CASA Volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. They are trained community volunteers appointed by judges to speak up for children in the juvenile court system.
What a CASA Volunteer Does:
- CASA Volunteers are provided at least 32 hours of initial training to prepare them to become effective advocates. Trainings include information about what abuse and neglect are, the child welfare system, the juvenile court system, cultural aspects of abuse and neglect, community resources available and much more information pertinent to helping children and their families.
- Once they have completed their training and have accepted the responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer, they are sworn in as official officers of the court, a highly respected honor and privilege.
- Once a volunteer is assigned to a child, his job is to learn as much as he can about that child. He will talk to parents and other family members, teachers or childcare providers, social workers, and others involved in the life of the child.
- Most importantly, the volunteer will talk to the child about what he is going through and about what he wants. He will offer support and guidance and help the child maneuver through this traumatic experience.
- The volunteer will create a report that is shared with the court and includes recommendations about what he thinks is in the best interest of the child.
- The volunteer is provided continuous training and support by the program staff throughout the life of the case.
Who can be a CASA Volunteer?
CASA Volunteers are regular people, many who hold full time jobs, who care about children. They have a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. If you are 21 years of age or older, can talk to people who are going through a difficult time, and have time to commit to helping children and families, then you can be a CASA Volunteer. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment.
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What are the Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer?
CASA Volunteers have the following responsibilities:
- Time. CASA Volunteers commit approximately 10-15 hours per month when they are assigned to a case. CASA Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 1 year but most realize how important it is to stay with a case until there is a resolution.
- Training. CASA Volunteers are required to complete at least 32 hours of pre-service training prior to being sworn in as an official CASA Volunteer. CASA Volunteers are also asked to complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.
Find out more information about the CASA trainings.
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What are the Benefits of Being a CASA Volunteer?
CASA Volunteers gain so much from their volunteer experience. Every CASA Volunteer makes some difference in the life of each child they work with.
- Some volunteers enjoy being a part of a solution, rather than just sitting by.
- Many CASA Volunteers enjoy the many learning opportunities offered by CASA trainings and resources available through the program.
- Others like being aware of what is happening to children and families, and knowing what resources are available within the community.
- Some like the prestige and respect that comes along with working with such a notable program and organization.
- Still others enjoy the camaraderie that comes from working with others who are also trying to make a difference for children.
Whatever your reason, being a CASA Volunteer can be the most rewarding experience you'll ever have.
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How Can I Become a CASA Volunteer?
To apply to be a CASA Volunteer, simply complete the Volunteer Application and return it by fax, email or mail to the CASA Program.
Fax: (703) 820-9002
Email: info@scanva.org
Mail: Alexandria/Arlington CASA Program
1705 Fern Street, 2nd Floor
Alexandria, VA 22302
Once we receive your application we will contact you to schedule a volunteer interview.
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How Can I Learn More About the CASA Program?
To learn more about the CASA Program and becoming a CASA Volunteer please call us at (703) 820-9001.
Presentations are available for businesses, organizations and other groups. You can request a presentation about the CASA program for your worksite, group, church or other venue by completing the Presentation Request Form.
Check out the National CASA website for more information about the national effort to support abused and neglected children.
Take a look at and/or print out our informational brochure.
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