Court Appointed Special Advocates (
CASA) is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While other service providers may depart, CASA volunteers provide constant guidance that each chld needs to thrive.
Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you?
Inquire today about the power you have to change a child's life forever.
The Role of CASA Volunteers
CASA volunteers make a one year commitment to the program at a minimum. They work approximately 6-10 hours per month engaged in the following volunteer activities:
Investigation
The CASA Volunteer carries out an objective, systematic examination of the situation, including relevant history of the case, the environment where the child is living, relationships and needs of the child. This is done by interviewing all interested and concerned parties to determine the facts, and reviewing all records, documents and clinical data, and investigating alternative living arrangements for the child.
Facilitation
The CASA Volunteer assists in the implementation of any plan prescribed by the court. The volunteer advocate identifies resources and services a child needs and facilitates a relationship that encourages collaboration between all parties involved in the case to help ensure that the needs of the child are met.
Advocacy
The CASA Volunteer speaks up for the best interest and pleads the case for the child to whom the volunteer is appointed. This is done through preparing written reports, stating findings and recommendations for permanent disposition of the case and submitting the reports according to standardized procedures. Volunteer advocates also will appear at court hearings to be available for direct testimony if required or requested.
Monitoring
The CASA Volunteer keeps track of whether the orders of the court and the child protective services agency are being carried out. The CASA volunteer reports to the court or collaborates with other parties involved in the case when any of the court orders or plans are not being followed, and bringsattention to any changes in circumstances that may require modification of the court's order.
Becoming a CASA Volunteer
CASA vol
unteers complete a thorough interview and screening process with CASA program staff. Volunteers are required to complete a criminal background check and abuse registry check process. This is to ensure the safety of the children involved in the program and allow the program staff to ensure that good “matches” are made with the CASA and assigned children.
Once selected, CASA volunteers complete a 30 hour pre-service training program. These trainings are scheduled around the needs of the CASA volunteers’ schedules as much as possible and are usually held in the evenings and on weekends as needed. Upon completion of the training program, volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court and begin working on their assigned cases.
Minimum Criteria for CASA Volunteers:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED
- Must be able to commit 6-10 hours per month to CASA.
- Must commit to a minimum of one year of service.
- Must be able to respectfully work with diverse families and situations.
- Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Must have transportation available to regularly visit the assigned child/children.
- Must be available to appear at court hearings (approximately 4 times per year).
The Benefits of Volunteering
Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to volunteering as a CASA. These include the opportunity to:
- Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse, abandonment, exploitation and/or neglect;
- Help a child/children find permanency in a safe, loving home;
- Assist judges to obain an accurate picture of a child’s life as well as better understand the child’s wants, needs and desires;
- Gain an understanding of the Juvenile courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies;
- Develop/utilize communication skills;
- Develop/utilize assertiveness;
- Utilize your past experience/skills;
- Form friendships with like-minded people in your community;
- Have access to training statewide.
Otoe County CASA Advisory Committee
- Brooke Chaney, Chairperson, Southeast District Health Department
- Christy Merryman, Vice-Chair, Palmyra High School
- Mari Jackson, CASA Coordinator, Secretary
- Colin Albers, Waddell & Reed
- Sallie Agena, Syracuse-Avoca-Dunbar Schools
- Dave Goswick, Nebraska City High School
- Cpt. Lonnie Neeman, Nebraska City Police Department
- Rena Pugh Holben, Southeast Nebraska Community Action
Contact Us
Phone: (402) 873-6339
Email: otoe.casa@windstream.net
Address: 917 Wildwood Lane - Nebraska City, NE - 68410
FAX: (402) 873-6345
Program Coordinator: Mari Jackson
