CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate
CASA of Los Angeles is the acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate, an organization that would like to recruit more volunteers from Downey, as our speaker told us.
Casa’s mission statement says its actions are fundamental to fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family.
CASA acts as the eyes and ears of the judges in cases where children have been placed in foster homes. Visiting one child at least once a month and you will then report to the judge in court whether the child seems happy or if there seems to be any abuse or neglect.
There are 25,000 children in foster homes in Los Angeles County, and only 440-450 social workers to monitor their progress, and only 180 attorneys to represent them in court. With CASA, a volunteer-powered network, the ratio is 1 to 1.
CASA represents the needs and point of view of the child. According to the advocate’s advice, the child may be re-placed, or given special help with problems such as vision or speech therapy.
Marie, a twenty-five year volunteer from Downey, told us how rewarding it can be to be an advocate. Many teddy bears are given out by the program, where the workers are taught compassion as well as keen observation skills.
Judge Philip Mautino rose to comment on the program and to say how much he advocates these advocates. He called it a wonderful program, a chance to work with one child at a time, and do some good in a child’s life.
Contact www.casala.org.