CASA to Offer "First Look" Sessions in March
By: LaTonya Sneed
Updated: March 13, 2013
MONROE - Beginning in March, CASA of Northeast Louisiana will have a new way to reach out to potential volunteers. "CASA First Look" is a one hour info session for anyone interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers act as a voice in court for children who have been abused or neglected.
CASA of Northeast Louisiana will host three "First Look" sessions in March. They will be Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 21 at noon. All sessions will be held at the CASA of NELA office at 622 Riverside Dr. in Monroe. The one hour "First Look" sessions will provide introductory information about CASA as well as allow prospective volunteers the opportunity to ask questions.
If a "First Look" session attendee decides he or she wants to become a CASA, they can then sign up for a short training course that works best with their schedule.
"Our goal with these sessions is to remove the obstacle of time for people who are interested in volunteering," said CASA Community Relations Manager Adam McDonald. "If someone wants to speak up for these local children in need, we want to be able to train them in a way that fits their schedule," he added.
The goal of CASA is that each child served will find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Too often, children languish for years in the foster care system, with no hope of finding a permanent home or having a normal childhood. Studies have shown that when a CASA is involved a child's chances of finding a permanent home are doubled.
The role of a CASA is to act as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the judge, collecting information through observation and interviews with key players in the child's life and then reporting back to the judge. To become a CASA, you must be at least 21 years old and pass a federal background check. CASA volunteers devote an average of 5-10 hours to their child's case monthly.
If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or would like more information about "First Look", please call Jessica Bryant today 398-0945.
CASA of Northeast Louisiana will host three "First Look" sessions in March. They will be Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 21 at noon. All sessions will be held at the CASA of NELA office at 622 Riverside Dr. in Monroe. The one hour "First Look" sessions will provide introductory information about CASA as well as allow prospective volunteers the opportunity to ask questions.
If a "First Look" session attendee decides he or she wants to become a CASA, they can then sign up for a short training course that works best with their schedule.
"Our goal with these sessions is to remove the obstacle of time for people who are interested in volunteering," said CASA Community Relations Manager Adam McDonald. "If someone wants to speak up for these local children in need, we want to be able to train them in a way that fits their schedule," he added.
The goal of CASA is that each child served will find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Too often, children languish for years in the foster care system, with no hope of finding a permanent home or having a normal childhood. Studies have shown that when a CASA is involved a child's chances of finding a permanent home are doubled.
The role of a CASA is to act as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the judge, collecting information through observation and interviews with key players in the child's life and then reporting back to the judge. To become a CASA, you must be at least 21 years old and pass a federal background check. CASA volunteers devote an average of 5-10 hours to their child's case monthly.
If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or would like more information about "First Look", please call Jessica Bryant today 398-0945.
