WORCESTER — There are hundreds of Worcester County children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Though Court Appointed Special Advocates continue to serve more of these children each year, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the child welfare and court systems.
According to CASA, nearly 800 children arrive in the Worcester County juvenile court system each year.
“Most of these children are younger than age 12 — nearly half are under 6 — and all are hurt, frightened, and confused. The goal of CASA is to speak for, and fight for, every one of these children,” said Douglas Stark, director of community resources for The CASA Project, Inc. of Worcester. “CASA is seeking volunteers. There is certainly a need for good people to advocate for these children in need.”
CASA needs men and women to spend six to eight hours a month advocating for abused children located in Worcester county. Hours are flexible and training is provided.
The judges of the Worcester County Juvenile Court system appoint CASA volunteers to help with their most complex or difficult cases.
Judge Carol Erskine, First Justice of the Worcester Juvenile Court, has stated, “CASA Volunteers perform a unique and essential role advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA Volunteers assist all juvenile court judges in making decisions to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable population. Their role as independent, objective advocates is an essential contribution to the management and disposition of these complicated cases.”
While each case presents its own challenges, CASA volunteers, along with their case supervisor, are generally responsible for the following tasks:
Conduct an independent investigation by reviewing all pertinent documents and records. Volunteers also will interview the child, parents, social worker(s), foster parents, counselors, and teachers to determine the facts and circumstances of the child’s situation.
Visit the child at least once each month to ensure the living conditions are safe and appropriate. Foster placements and social workers may be re-assigned multiple times and the CASA volunteer may be the only constant adult in the child’s life.
Provide findings and information for written reports to the court. It is usually unnecessary for the CASA volunteer to be present at court hearings.
Make recommendations for specific services for the child and family, and advocate for necessary services which may not be immediately identified or available.
Monitor implementation of case plans and court orders.
Advocate for the child’s interests in the community by bringing concerns about physical health, mental health, or education to the appropriate professionals, and ensure that the child’s needs in these areas are met.
Persons interested in becoming a volunteer must complete three steps: fill out an online application at www.casaworcester.org, pass a background check and complete a training course.
Stark said the next training will be held in October.
“We will be offering morning and afternoon sessions to suit your schedule,” she said.
New volunteers must attend each of four sessions. Training is held at The CASA Project, 100 Grove St., fourth floor, in Worcester. Free parking is provided.
Dates are as follows:
Session 1, attend either October 15 (4 to 8 p.m.) or October 16 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Session 2, attend either October 17 (4 to 8 p.m.) or October 18 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Session 3, attend either October 22 (4 to 8 p.m.) or October 23 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Session 4, attend either October 24 (4 to 8 p.m.) or October 25 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
On Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., there will be an optional swearing-in ceremony for CASA volunteers at the Worcester Courthouse.
For more information, contact www.casaworcester.org or call 508-TRY-CASA.