CASA volunteers advocate for children, building a one-on-one relationship with them through visits, quality time, and most importantly, listening.
 

This dedication allows volunteers to communicate with all parties involved and make recommendations to the court directly, ensuring that the best interests of the children are always taken into consideration. Unlike social workers, psychologists, and lawyers, who often work on multiple cases at once, CASA volunteers work on a single case and quickly become essential people in the lives of the families they work with. 

Mission

The mission of CASA for Children, a voice for children, is to ensure the rights to safety within the home, and permanency in a family, are protected through advocacy and education within Judicial District 15, State of Oklahoma.

History

In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom. From that first program has grown a network of nearly 1,000 CASA programs across 49 states and the District of Columbia.

CASA for Children, Inc. was established in 1997 and serves the children of Muskogee, Sequoyah, McIntosh, and Wagoner Counties. In 2023, 74 volunteer advocates spoke up for the best interests of over 200 children, but there are many more children in need of a voice. Find out how you can volunteer to be that voice!

Evidence of Effectiveness

CASA volunteers have a profound impact on the children they serve. A child with a CASA volunteer is: 
 

• More likely to be adopted;

• Half as likely to re-enter foster care;

• Substantially less likely to remain in long-term foster care;

• More likely to have a plan for permanency;

• More likely to do well in school;

• More likely to receive additional services than those without a CASA volunteer.

To learn more about the evidence of the effectiveness of CASA volunteers, visit the National CASA Association website.

Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? Volunteer Today!

"Every child needs a decent chance to be a success, some deprived children

have little to no chance because of circumstances beyond their control."

- Helen Bumgarner, CASA Volunteer

Please note that CASA for Children serves children only after being appointed to the legal case by court order. CASA staff members are unable to discuss or take action regarding a specific legal matter until a court order has been signed and received regarding the children involved. If you have a question regarding a legal case, please consult your attorney.