Applications being accepted for CASA volunteers

People who give their time to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) come from many different places. Some have dedicated their life to helping children and families, while others finally have the time available to make a difference in the life of a child.

One thing they all have in common is the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes.

If you share this desire, a CASA volunteer training class will be held on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. according to Alma Santiago, program director for Northwest Oklahoma CASA.

CASA volunteers advocate for children whose needs are often overlooked in a overburdened legal system. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe home.

Currently the Northwest Oklahoma program has 11 trained volunteers and Santiago said they hope to gain four more.

“Anyone who has a passion to help these children should apply. We encourage our retired community or those who desire to go into the helping profession,” Santiago said.

She also said that couples can become co-CASA advocates together.

“Sometimes one may be more comfortable speaking, while the other person can write things down- but together they can both make a difference,”she said.

Minnie Torres has been a CASA volunteer since the program was started in Woodward in March of this year.

“If you enjoy children, it is very fulfilling to be able to help them and make a difference in their life,” Torres said.

Keri Alva is also a volunteer for the program. She is currently working two cases, which is the maximum caseload for a CASA volunteer, and said it is often an emotional situation.

Alva said, “you have to be dedicated to the children. It has to be something that you care about and you want to do you part to keep them out of a bad situation.”

Before becoming a volunteer you must first fill out an application and be interviewed. Every volunteer must be at least 21-years-old, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check and participate in a 30-hour training course.

After successfully completing training, the volunteer is assigned their first case. Santiago said the average time commitment to a case is about 15 hours per month.

When issued a case, volunteers conduct an independent investigation to determine what is in the best interest of the child. They review all pertinent documents and records and may interview the child, parents, social workers, foster parents, teachers, therapists, daycare providers or any other relevant person to determine the facts of the child’s situation.

After building a relationship with the child, advocates then go to court and are a voice who speaks on behalf of the child’s best interest.

If you would like to become a CASA volunteer, you may pick up an application before Friday at 1211 Main, or call Alma Santiago at 256-2182. More information about CASA may be found on their website at www.nationalcasa.org.