| PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES |
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| Get Ready, Get Set, Go |
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| CASA |
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Goal
Federal and state laws mandate that the court shall appoint a CASA for every abused and neglected child involved in a dependency case. In 1987, the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted what is now ORS 419A.170, mandating the appointment of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for each of these children.
CASA Role and Function
A CASA is a trained citizen volunteer who is a party to the case, and, subject to the direction of the court:
- Investigates all relevant information about the case.
- Advocates for the best interests of the child, assuring that all relevant facts are brought before the court.
- Facilitates and negotiates to ensure that the court, Department of Human Services, if applicable, and the child or ward’s attorney, if any, fulfill their obligations to the child or ward in a timely fashion.
- Monitors all court orders to ensure compliance and to bring to the court's attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of the court's order.
A CASA volunteer’s primary responsibility is to represent the best interest of the child and work to assure that each child safely returns to or finds a safe and permanent family as soon as possible. CASAs visit children regularly, review records, interview parents and relatives, consult with teachers, neighbors and foster care providers, and work closely with community service providers. They advocate for the children and families to gain access to needed support and services.
CASA Programs
Volunteers are trained, supported and supervised by local programs in each of Oregon's thirty-six counties. Programs form a cooperative network with coordination and oversight provided by the Oregon Commission on Children and Families (OAR 423-045-0030 through OAR 423-045-0035 ). Funding is a partnership of federal, state, county and private funds.
Oregon CASA is a member of the National CASA Association (NCASAA) and adheres to NCASAA standards. To contact the CASA program in your community, click here.
For information contact:
Becky Smith
CASA State Coordinator
(503) 373-1283
becky.f.smith(at)state.or.us |
To find out about becoming a CASA
volunteer, contact the CASA program in
your community by clicking on this logo.
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