A Powerful Voice in a Child's Life

Posted by Steve Schumann

Cathy Orton , from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was introduced, and she led off her presentation with a short video on her organization. CASA has recognized that every year more than one million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes.

In San Luis ObispoCounty, approximately 3500 kids are reported as abused, abandoned or neglected every year. More than 600 of these receive County services due to their abuse or neglect. More than 400 reside in foster care or out-of-home placement.

CASA grew out of a Seattle judge's need for more information on the children he had to make decisions for. The CASA volunteers today are appointed by a judge to discover the best possible outcomes for a suffering child. The volunteers are people with a desire to help abused children.

Cathy said there are several ways to help CASA remain a powerful influence in a child's life. Aside from volunteering (and the volunteer remains a constant in a child's life), educational advocates, donators, project assistants, business sponsors, gift-givers and check writers are needed. CASA is located in San Luis Obispo, and can be reached by phone at 541-6542.