Enid, OK - The Fourth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program will begin a new training session on September 12, 2019. CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life: doctors, sales reps, lawyers, teachers, firemen, EMTs, administrative assistants, full-time parents, retirees… but one thing they all have in common is that they are deeply concerned about abused and neglected children in our community.
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Adults 21 years old or older who have a desire and the time to help abused or neglected children can call the CASA office, (580) 242-1153 for an application. Following an interview and a background investigation, the volunteer will be trained in family dynamics, needs of children, cultural issues, juvenile law, interview skills and court procedures as well as other topics. Upon completion of the training, the volunteer will be prepared to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of a child. The average CASA Volunteer spends about six hours per month advocating for their child. And of course, each CASA Volunteer always has access to support and guidance of an experienced CASA Supervisor. It is an investment of time, energy and heart. But in the words of CASA Volunteers: “It isn’t about what I give them it’s about what they show me.”
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Founded in 1997, Garfield County Child Advocacy Council trains community CASA Volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children each year before the courts of the 4th Judicial District of Oklahoma. They currently have CASA Volunteers in Garfield, Major and Blaine Counties. The children range in age from newborn to 18. Research shows that children with CASA Volunteers spend less time in court, less time in foster homes, and find safe and permanent homes faster-all keys to breaking the terrible cycle of abuse and neglect. No other organization in these counties provides this service and they are currently accepting applications for new CASA volunteers.
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