Page 76 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2020

feature | healthcare for kids
feature | women in wine

CASA

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
provides a powerful voice for abused or
neglected children. The boots-on-the-
ground work is done by highly trained indi-
viduals who walk beside their assigned child,
advocating for them in court, at school, and
wherever needed, and work with parents
and foster parents. They meet with the kids
regularly to “be there” for children whose
lives are in upheaval. To be someone outside
the system who likes them, validates them,
and takes time to listen.

For July, August, and September of this year,
193 CASAs served 537 kids. They made 756
local visits, provided other communication
with kids (texts, phone calls) 1,164 times,
attended 182 court hearings, made 2,967
foster parent connections (making appoint-
ments, checking in, etc.). And that’s only
part of the story. These numbers reflect
committed, unpaid individuals with a heart
big enough to hold a child who needs love
and help.

912 kids were served in 2018, but there are
more kids who would benefit from having a
CASA. Volunteers are needed!

74 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | winter 2020