CASA experiencing torrent of new cases

CASA press release

During the first four months of 2015, CASA of Hill County has received more new child abuse and neglect cases than were filed in all of 2014.

The result is that the program, which trains and coordinates everyday citizens from the community to speak for abused children in court, is under unprecedented strain.

“It is impossible to over state how concerned I am — in fact all of us: our volunteers and board of directors, too — how concerned we are over this spike,” said Mark Douglass, the local CASA director. “All of our professional partners work hard to resolve cases as quickly as possible, and it is a difficult job under the best of circumstances, but with this influx of new cases, it becomes even more important to have extra eyes watching out for these children.”

A CASA volunteer — a Court Appointed Special Advocate — serves as an independent party in the child abuse cases. A CASA volunteer investigates, monitors, and advocates for children who have been removed from their homes due to allegations of abuse or neglect. A CASA is a voice from the community speaking out for the best interests of these vulnerable children.

Every CASA volunteer receives 30 hours of pre-service training, which includes 15 hours of online learning, and 15 hours of in-person training applying the knowledge and practicing the skills needed to do the work. The class takes sixweeks, at the end of which the new Volunteer is sworn in as an officer of the court.

“CASA volunteers are heroes,” added Douglass, “and we need more heroes. … Now.”

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer can talk with representatives from CASA at Holiday Village Mall, outside the Press, Friday, 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. CASA will also host a new volunteer orientation at the HRDC building Monday, May 11, starting at 6 p.m.

For more information about CASA, or to find out about joining CASA’s team of volunteer advocates, contact Douglass at [email protected] or 265-6743.