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Truancy Center
1k Fundraiser Walk and Community Awareness Event
March 31st, 2012
9 AM to 11 AM
Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, GA 31907
Download the Registration Form and email to hirvin@twincedars.org.
Chattahoochee CASA
Chattahoochee CASA was established in November of 2008 to recruit, screen, train, and retain volunteers to serve abused, neglected or abandoned children involved in juvenile court deprivation hearings in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge, trained CASAs gather information about a child’s situation, attend court proceedings and make recommendations to the court for the best interests of a child. CASA volunteers advocate for the safety, permanency and well-being of children.The Need
Each year thousands of children are thrust into the court system through no fault of their own. Often these children become victims of a massive children welfare system – a complex legal network of lawyers, social workers, and judges who are too frequently overworked to give urgent attention to each child. In 2008, Muscogee County reported 1,375 children involved in child protective service investigations. Of that 1,375, 274 were placed in DFCS custody. In 2007, reports from Georgia House Bill 1406 revealed that 65 children in care in Muscogee County had been in custody for 4 or more years while 61 children had experienced 5 or more placements. Children who achieve a permanency decision within 2 years of placement is 58% in Muscogee County, in comparison to the state average of 78%. With the addition of CASA to the Twin Cedars’ continuum of care, we are working to more quickly achieve permanency for children in our communities through the advocacy efforts of trained CASA volunteers.
Volunteers Must:
Be at least 21 years of age
Pass a criminal background check
Be available to attend all court hearings
Sincerely care for the well-being of children
Possess good verbal and written communication skills
Commit to serving as a CASA for a minimum of 18 months
How to Become a CASA
Complete an application
Provide 4 personal references
Undergo criminal background checks
Be interviewed by a CASA staff member
Complete 40 hours of training
Be sworn-in by a judge
Responsibilities of a CASAVisit the children
Explain the role of a CASA volunteer
Keep the child informed of all aspects of the court proceedings as appropriate
Gather independent information about the child to make recommendations to the judge for the child’s best interests
Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case
Interview parents, guardians or caretakers, social workers and other service providers
Review records related to the family
Prepare written reports for court hearings
Attend and participate in court hearings and other related meetings
identify potential resources within the family and community to help meet the child’s needs
Keep all records and information confidential
Monitor provisions of service plans and court orders
Ensure the child’s wishes are known to the judge
Advocate for the child in the community
Consult with the CASA staff or support and guidance
Maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved
Annual Reports
2010
If you are interested in volunteering please contact
Chattahoochee CASA
Rosalind Alston, Program Coordinator
18 9th Street, Suite 104
Columbus, Georgia 31901
706.327-9612 ext. 207
Ralston@twincedars.org