Each year, approximately 780,000 children in the US are caught up in the court and child welfare maze because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can’t—or won’t—take care of you. Now, into these children’s lives come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Hopefully, one of these strangers is a CASA volunteer.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who cares only for them.
Nearly 70,000 extraordinary men and women in the US are CASA volunteers. They come from every region of the country and every walk of life, and they share a passion for helping children. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to work on the front lines of kids lives. Not only do they spend time listening to the kids they serve, they also reach out to anyone and everyone in the childs life—parents, relatives, foster parents, social workers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and anyone else who might influence the outcome for a child. This knowledge gives CASA volunteers the broad perspective they need in order to give abused and neglected kids a voice in court, and to make recommendations that judges respect and rely upon. They make a lifelong difference for the children they help.
National CASA CEO Michael Piraino was interviewed on Dr. Phil (May 28 and August 7, 2008). Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw were named National Spokespeople for National CASA's Forgotten Children campaign.
Everyday Heroes highlights CASA Volunteers making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. It provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from children about their homes before and after a CASA volunteer came into their lives.
