‍‍What is CASA for Children?
‍CASA for Children, Inc. recruits, trains, and empowers dedicated volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in Muskogee, Wagoner, Sequoyah, and McIntosh counties. By standing with children in court and in their communities, CASA ensures their best interests are always at the forefront and that every child has the chance for a safe, permanent home.

What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
‍A CASA volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in foster care. Their role is to get to know the child, gather information from everyone involved in the case, and provide the court with well-informed recommendations. By identifying the child’s needs and advocating for services like education, healthcare, and therapy, CASA volunteers help ensure each decision made supports the child’s safety, stability, and future well-being.

‍Why is CASA so important?
‍A CASA volunteer is often the one constant in a child’s life. Volunteers stand for children throughout the court process, making sure their voice is heard and their needs are met. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to graduate from high school, spend less time in long-term foster care, and more likely to be adopted.

Who are the children being served by CASA volunteers?
CASA volunteers serve children ages birth to eighteen who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the state’s child welfare system. They are children who need a consistent, caring adult to speak up for them when it matters most. 
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‍Is there a “typical” CASA volunteer?
‍CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. No previous experience or education is required. The only requirement to volunteering is that the person be 21 years of age or older and have a love for, and a desire to help children. All volunteers are thoroughly trained and supported by professional staff throughout the cases they serve on. 

‍How many cases does a CASA volunteer serve at one time?
‍The number varies from volunteer to volunteer, but the average case load is one case per volunteer. 

What do CASA volunteers do on their case?
‍The CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health care providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child or family’s history. Volunteers also review records pertaining to the child’s school, medical, case worker reports, and any other documents pertinent to the case. The information they gather helps them make informed recommendations to the court about what is in the child’s best interest. 

How are CASA volunteers different from OHS caseworkers?
‍Unlike state caseworkers, who must balance many responsibilities and multiple cases, CASA volunteers typically only carry one case at a time. This allows volunteers to really get to know the child and their situation and to speak directly as a voice for the child and their best interest. 

‍Do judges, lawyers, and social workers support CASA?
‍Yes, juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, National Court of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.

How much time is required to be a CASA volunteer?
‍A CASA volunteer typically spends about 8-12 hours each month gathering information, documenting their findings, and advocating both in and out of court on the child’s behalf. 
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How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved?
CASA volunteers stay with their case until it reaches a safe, permanent resolution. Volunteers ideally commit to the lifetime of the case, but we ask for at least a one-year commitment to verify that children all have the opportunity to experience that one, consistent, life changing adult. 

How is CASA funded?
CASA for Children is a non-profit organization. Funding for the program typically comes from local and federal grants (when available) along with community donations. 

I am ready to volunteer. What are my next steps?
The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is the completion of the online application. Once the application is received by our office, we will contact you to schedule an appointment for your volunteer interview.
Click here for the online application.
Still have questions about the program, contact our office at (918) 686-8199 or email casa@casaok.org to schedule a time to talk with one of our CASA staff.