Change a Child's Story
Volunteer for Fillmore County CASA in Nebraska
A CASA volunteer is a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA volunteer serves as a “voice” for a child who is a victim of abuse and/or neglect and is involved in the juvenile court system. A CASA volunteer looks out for the child’s best interest and is a consistent caring person who advocates for them during a very difficult time. Learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life by being their CASA volunteer. Change a child’s story by being their court advocate.
01.
We Need You
Fillmore County CASA provides court appointed Special Advocates for youth who are victims of abuse and neglect and they are a voice for the child in juvenile court system.
02.
Get involved
As a CASA volunteer, you will look out for their best interests in juvenile court and empower them to reach their full potential.
03.
Donation
Thanks to you we have grown and now serve 2,000 children in Nebraska each year. With your gifts, large and small, we will achieve our goal of providing a CASA volunteer to the 1,000 abused and neglected children in Nebraska who still need one.
Why the Need?
Life is tough when you are a child. Children have a lot to learn in school and about life. And when there is chaos, abuse, and neglect at home the best thing for a child, sometimes, is to be removed from that home. This is tough on a child. Everything is new. They still have school, doctor’s appointments and school activities but now they also have a new home, court dates, case workers, and visits with their parents. The fear of all this newness and the pain of separation can go on for days, weeks, months, or years. It is really tough for these children.
There are ways to help. Ways to bear the burdens the child is carrying and make the days less tough. These children need someone constant who is on their team. Someone who is fighting for their best amidst all the turmoil.
A CASA volunteer provides this help. The Court Appointed Special Advocate knows the child. There are still tough days but now there’s someone standing up for the child day in and day out. Someone who knows both biological and foster parents, teachers, doctors, and social workers to ensure the child’s needs are being met. Someone who speaks for the child's best interest in court and who the judge counts on for insight.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide well trained volunteers of community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court by no fault of their own.
Our vision is to provide a CASA volunteer to every child that enters the juvenile court system and to look out for their best interest.
CASA Duties Include
- Gather information: On the Child’s behalf.
- Provide documents: Court reports during review hearing.
- Appear in court: Advocate for the child’s best interests.
- Seek solutions: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a sometimes complicated child welfare system.
- Recommended services: Ensure that the child and his or her family are receiving appropriate services.
- Keep the court informed: Update the court on any developments or observations regarding the child’s welfare.
Get Involved
IS BECOMING A CASA RIGHT FOR YOU
You do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to become a CASA. Just a person with a desire to help, learn, and commit themselves to advocating for the rights of a foster child.
Individuals over the age of 21 who possess the ability to work with children and adults in a tactful and compassionate manner and demonstrate empathy towards people and understanding towards people from diverse, economic, sexual, and educational backgrounds are eligible to become a CASA.
COMMITMENT
All volunteers are required to have 30 hours of pre-service training before being paired with a child. CASA volunteers must commit to a minimum of 18 months of working with their assigned youth and families and are required to have face-to-face visits once a month with the child they are advocating for. CASA volunteers must visit with their youth, family members and his/her team one to two times per month. This helps the CASA volunteer in building a lasting relationship with their CASA youth.
COLLABORATION
A CASA must be able to communicate with a team of legal parties, social workers, judges, and teachers on behalf of their CASA youth.
Are you ready to become a CASA?
Call and schedule an appointment at 402-459-4975 and
set up a meeting with office staff to learn more about becoming a volunteer.