The Forgotten Children

On any given day, 852 children enter the foster care system in the United States--nearly 6,000 every week. We cannot ignore these children who have been forgotten by the vast majority of Americans. If you want to be the difference in these children's lives, become a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Volunteer.

CASA volunteers are everyday heroes who have the power to change children’s lives. Each year, more than half–a-million abused and neglected children are removed from their homes and thrust into the court system through no fault of their own. They have committed no crime but are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These children need a voice! Now is the time to make a difference in a child’s life.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southeast Missouri, Inc. will be training a new class of volunteer advocates beginning in September 2008. CASA volunteers are lay-people from the community appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of children in court. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. However, they all have one thing in common, they hold dearly to the belief that there are no hopeless children, only children who have yet to experience hope.

CASA of Southeast Missouri serves the 32nd Judicial Circuit, including the counties of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, and Perry. CASA volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, undergo a criminal background check, complete 30 hours of pre-service training, and commit to working at least one case. Training and materials are provided without cost. For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer call 573-335-1726, email rkirby@capecasa.com or visit our website at www.capecasa.com.