CASA volunteers

Have you ever stopped to think about children who are in foster care, who have parents in prison or unable to care for them? How must these children feel to oftentimes have no one in their corner? How must they feel to get hauled into court to face situations that are not of their doing? Who represents them when their parents have infused violence or crime into their lives?

In many cases, a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocates steps in to help. The organization, known as CASA, is looking for volunteers.

Since 1992, CASA volunteers have served as advocates for abused or neglected children in court cases in the 32nd Judicial Circuit, which covers Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties. The circuit each year averages about 230 cases involving abused or neglected children, and in 2012 volunteers were able to serve in only 49 of those cases -- about 21 percent.

A CASA volunteer is appointed by the court to serve as an advocate on behalf of the child. The volunteer determines the child's condition and needs and the condition of the child's parents. Reports and recommendations are submitted for the court to consider when making a decision in the case. A volunteer serves on behalf of the child until the case closes, which can mean a termination of parental rights, a guardian taking legal custody of the child, or the child legally leaving foster care at age 18.

Becoming a CASA volunteer is a serious commitment, and it's important to understand that going in. But it also fills an important, meaningful role in our society, but more importantly in the lives of vulnerable children.

If you're looking for a way to volunteer and have a positive effect in a child's life, you can't go wrong with CASA. For more information on being a CASA volunteer, call CASA at 335-1726 or visit capecasa.com.