It is common knowledge that there is a disappointingly large amount of children within the foster care system. It also is common knowledge that sometimes the system cannot help every child. This is a sad fact that people have come to accept, but yet still criticize with good reason.
Most feel as if nothing can be done, especially when they are not in the position to take in foster children, which in itself is a huge and rewarding commitment. If you don’t have the availability to take a foster child into your home though, you can still help one.
CASA for Kids — also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates — is a volunteer program that works with state programs to help foster children. You’re probably thinking, "Well how can I help, and how does it benefit the kids?"
The main purpose of CASA is to assign volunteers to foster children. A volunteer would be assigned to this child until their case is closed either by going back to the parents or by adoption. The CASA volunteer would not only check up on how the child is doing, but would be a constant in their lives, which are changing at a rapid pace.
The volunteer also would speak up for the child in court and would be able to make sure the child is comfortable and doing well at their foster home. It is a tough process sometimes because you truly see the hardships the child has to go through. But overall, you show them someone is sticking with them and sticking up for them in their hard time.
This has proven to be beneficial for not only the child, but also the state. Children provided with CASAs are proven to have a shorter time within the welfare system, and a great deal of them never even reenter the system. This not only reduces money for child welfare costs, but it gives a greater turnover time for the CASA volunteer to help a new child. If you don’t think you are able to become a CASA volunteer, you can still help out by donating toys, clothes and toiletries CASA will be able to take to their child who may not have such privileges. Christmas time also is a perfect time to help out by purchasing gifts for kids who do not get the normal holiday experience.
Not only would you be helping out within the child’s life, but you would be helping out the employees as well. CASA employees, from my personal experience, are very selfless people who work day in and day out to make sure every child is given someone to stick up for them. Unfortunately, there is a small amount of CASA volunteers and a large amount of children within the system who are not able to be spoken for. Becoming a CASA volunteer is a good opportunity for you, adults, families and empty nesters. If you are someone who wants to make a difference in someone’s life, please consider becoming a CASA volunteer. You do not have to travel the world or donate large sums of money to do it. All you have to do is be willing to make a difference and take that first step.
If you are interested or curious, please contact your local CASA or visit this link.
