Every single person in the Kent County community is capable of making a positive impact in a foster child’s life. You can advocate for children in foster care.
Yes, even you!
For more than 25 years, CASA of Kent County has equipped volunteers from all walks of life to advocate for children placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect.
What is CASA?
CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates. A CASA Volunteer advocates for children in foster care. They focus on getting to know one foster child or sibling group, their situation, and their needs. Volunteers visit the child(ren) once a week and stay involved in their lives the entire time they are in foster care. As a result, CASA Volunteers develop a complete picture of an abused and neglected child’s life. They then make recommendations to the family court judge about what is best for that child. The child also has a foster care social worker and a court-appointed-attorney. In the case of a social worker, they work with the entire family unit. The CASA Volunteer’s focus is placed solely on the child.
A Voice for the Voiceless
The CASA Volunteer acts as a child’s voice during their time in foster care. Through court reports, Volunteers advocate for the child’s wellbeing – be it related to medical needs, schooling, individual counseling, extra-curricular activities, or arranging sibling visits. The CASA Volunteer works with everyone involved to give family court judges a full picture of the child’s best interests. Family Court judges in Kent County regard CASA Volunteers’ reports very highly while preparing for hearings and reference the information throughout the hearing process.
A Shoulder to Lean On
While helping the state meet a child’s needs is crucial, the most important part may be spending time with a child while they are in foster care. This is how CASA Volunteers make a positive, deep, and long-lasting impact on the lives of children who may have suffered from neglect and abuse. During a process that can be harrowing and traumatizing, the child can be assured that their Volunteer will not only act as their voice, but will always offer a shoulder of support.
Become a CASA Volunteer
With more than 400 Kent County children in foster care, the need for CASA Volunteers is great. Today, CASA of Kent County can only provide volunteers for 20 % of the children in need.
That’s where you come in. Anyone can apply to become an advocate for children in foster care? We just ask that you are over 21 years of age and are able to pass a thorough background check.
To learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer, or for other ways to help CASA of Kent County, visit www.CASAKentCo.org or call 616.632.5311. Not sure CASA is a good fit? Find out other ways to get involved here.
