CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program
CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court in an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cares. CASA volunteer advocates in McCurtain, Choctaw and Pushmataha Counties change that.
Appointed by judges, CASA volunteer advocates 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 others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Are you read to stand up for a child who needs you?
“A man never stands as tall as when he stoops down to help a child.” Abraham Lincoln
About CASA
What is CASA?
CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are ordinary people who care about kids. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. Many work full time while others are students and some are retired. Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a time. No legal expertise is required.
What does a CASA volunteer do?
After completing training, CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. They conduct thorough research on the background of the case by reviewing documents and interviewing everyone involved-including the child. They make reports to the court, recommending what they believe is the best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help him in making an informed decision.
CASA volunteers can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services, which the court has ordered-things like substance abuse counseling or special education testing.
During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child’s situation to make sure he or she remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant the child knows as he or she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.
“You go into a courtroom and you will see lawyers who know the law and have dozens of kids’ files, or you have social workers who know the regulations and have dozens of kids’ files. But if a CASA volunteer is in the room, you will see they have just one file, and what they know is that one child. And that can make all the difference to a judge’s decision regarding how the rest of that child’s life is going to go.”
—Journalist, Anna Quindlen
A Child’s Story
Brothers Reunited-A CASA Success Story
Adrian was 8 and Ben was 6 years old when they were taken into custody. Their biological mother had abandoned the boys and they had bounced around from family member to family member for six months before they were placed in a foster home. The caseworker knew from reports that the boys had an older brother, Alex, age 10, but according to relatives, he lived with his grandmother and no one knew where he was. The foster family told the caseworker that if Alex was ever taken into custody, they would be willing to take him.
Adrian and Ben were assigned a CASA worker and it was this woman who set out to find their brother. The CASA volunteer talked to relatives and traveled across the state looking for information. She found out things about their biological family that their caseworker just didn’t have the time and resources to do. She gave the case the one-on-one attention that all cases deserve.
The CASA volunteer found Alex living with his grandmother in a motel. She was taking good care of Alex but she did not feel she could care for all three boys. The CASA volunteer let the grandmother know that the foster family would be willing to take Alex if she was ever unable to care for him.
Several months later, the boys’ grandmother hit hard times and contacted the CASA volunteer. The three brothers were reunited and eventually adopted by the foster family. Alex, Adrian and Ben’s new mom was so impressed she became a CASA volunteer.
Return Completed Application To: LIFT Community Action Agency. Court Appointed Special Advocate Program –Attn: Doris Long 603 S.W. “B” Street Antlers, OK 74523
Volunteer
Our vision is that EVERY child who needs a CASA volunteer will have one. With YOUR help, we CAN achieve that goal.
The Need for Volunteers
Our local CASA program offers a volunteer opportunity like no other. As appointed officers of the court, CASA volunteers are empowered to make a lifelong difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.
Local CASA volunteers advocate for over 100 children per year but approximately 250 are still waiting for advocacy. Our volunteers are an amazing force for good, but we need more of them.
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate
As a CASA volunteer, you will be able to work with confidence. All of our advocate volunteers are thoroughly trained in courtroom procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, high conflict domestic relations cases, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.
We welcome volunteers from all cultures, ethnic and educational backgrounds. We have a particular need for men, minorities and senior citizens.
Become a CASA volunteer and be rewarded with powerful and fulfilling experiences. For additional information contact the CASA office at (580) 298-2921.
Download your application today!
Return Completed Application To: LIFT Community Action Agency. Court Appointed Special Advocate Program –Attn: Doris Long 603 S.W. “B” Street Antlers, OK 74523
Donate
Make a Donation to Make a Difference
Help change the life of an abused and neglected child. LIFT CAA CASA program is under the umbrella of LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc., which is a 501 © (3) organization. The CASA program is supported by grants, donations, and state and federal funding. Contributions to LIFT CAA CASA support CASA volunteer advocates in their efforts to guide abused children through the overburdened legal system to safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Your tax deductible gift can help turn a life of hurt into one of hope.
Thank you for considering LIFT CAA CASA for your charitable donation. Your generosity makes a tremendous difference in the lives of children in our community.
Tell a Friend
If you are a member of a business, church or professional group and would allow us to attend your next meeting or place an ad in your newsletter, call (580) 298-2921, or click here and email us your name, address and telephone number.
Donate Other Resources
Examples: Advertising Space, Printing Services, Cater for Events, Office Supplies, etc…Be creative!
Suggested Donation Levels
| Program Sponsor | A gift of $25-$99 |
| Advocate Sponsor | A gift of $100-$499 |
| Child Sponsor | A gift of $500 and above |
Make a Donation Today
“It’s about helping a child replace a life of hurt with one of hope.”
—CASA Volunteer
Contact LIFT CAA CASA
Resources
Return Completed Application To:
LIFT Community Action Agency.
Court Appointed Special
Advocate Program
–Attn: Doris Long
603 S.W. “B” Street
Antlers, OK 74523
Contact Info
Doris Long
Director
603 S.W. “B” Street,
Antlers, OK 74523
(580) 298-2921
doris.long@liftca.org
Marissa Jordan
Advocate Coordinator
marissa.jordan@liftca.org
*Serving Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha Counties
VOCA Grant #2018-LIFT CAA CAA-141 awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council.
Emily’s Dragon Video
Emily’s Dragon tells the emotional story of a young girl removed from her home and placed in foster care, and how her CASA volunteer made a difference during this critical point in her life.
