Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a CASA volunteer?
A. A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained volunteer, supervised and supported by professional staff, and appointed by a judge to act in the role of Guardian al Litem by representing the best interests of abused/neglected children.
You may click here to learn more about how to become a CASA, the training provided and other important information .
Q. When was Friends of CASA of Geauga County formed and what is the relationship between this organization and CASA for KIDS of Geauga County?
A. Friends of CASA for KIDS of Geauga County was formed in July 2002 and is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that exists for the sole reason of making a positive difference in the lives of children. It seeks to support the work of CASA for KIDS in its advocacy for abused and neglected children.
Q. How is this support manifested?
A. “Friends” works to increase public awareness of the existence and severity of child abuse and neglect in our own community. It can host informational events on the subject, assist with PR efforts, as well as raise funds to help meet the needs of children whose families are in our juvenile court system.
Q. What are specific ways the Friends of CASA serve the individual CASA volunteers and the CASA children that they in turn assist?
A. An example of helping the volunteers is to provide each CASA with gift cards for gas to help defray the cost of driving to visit the children they visit. Another is to finance the mandatory training that each CASA must receive each year, and to pay for hotel and meal costs at the annual state conference.
An example of direct help to the children is to provide a duffle bag filled with supplies for each child being moved to a foster home, something that is “all theirs” to interest and entertain them during an extremely stressful time. For babies, layette filled bags may be donated.
Q. Would some people who have learned a lot about what a valuable service a CASA performs and the need for more of them , choose instead of following that path, to serve on the Friends of CASA Board?
A. Yes, that has happened. A CASA needs to have some daytime hours available for occasional court time. They also need to have the ability to make visits to the child they are helping. Sometimes an individual without this flexibility still wants very much to help the cause. Friends of CASA gives such people the opportunity to share their compassion and talents in various ways.
Q. How are members selected for the Friends of CASA Board?
A. Usually a board member will mention a person they know whom they think has the interest and would bring some valuable insight or talents to the group. We all know people who have a genuine desire to give back to their community and especially to those in need. After a name has been suggested, usually the chairman of the Board Development Committee will then contact that person to discuss the Board’s role and mission. We often will have an interested person attend one of our meetings to further acquaint them with our work. |
