Learn firsthand what it's like to be involved with the important work CASA does. Jenny Magill takes you behind the scenes and offers some great ideas on how you can help.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, which helps expedite the process through which abused and/or neglected children are found permanent, safe homes and to advocate on the children's behalf when necessary.

I love working at CASA because I can see firsthand that CASA's program and dedicated volunteers make a real difference in the fight against child abuse. I am continuously touched and encouraged by the stories I hear and the people I meet, especially the children that we serve on a daily basis. Seeing the beautiful smile of a child who has finally been reunited with a parent or who has just been adopted into a safe, loving home is a humbling and incredibly rewarding experience. As a public relations professional, I love being able to spread the word about this opportunity to take a personal stand against child abuse and touch the life of a child who is in desperate need of a caring mentor and a powerful voice in court.

Child abuse is a hidden epidemic – it permeates every community and all levels of society. Each year, over one million American children become victims of abuse or neglect, and their plight often goes unnoticed by neighbors, teachers, and friends.

Being aware of the abuse and the effect of poverty in increasing the likelihood of abuse – poverty is the largest predictor of child abuse and neglect – empowers community members to identify abusive situations and advocate for policies that address the roots of the problem. Child abuse is a cycle until the chain is broken: one third of abused children grow up to become perpetrators of abuse, and they are more likely to suffer from psychological problems and to engage in criminal activity.

CASA is important in that it is the only organization devoted to directly serving children, the victims of abuse and neglect, by providing them with a voice in court and a caring mentor during the judicial process.

CASA workers personally meet with the child they are assigned and individually investigate each case, and they write court reports and speak to the court about their recommendation for the child's placement and necessary social services. While state Department of Children's Services (DCS) workers must handle an average of 15-20 cases simultaneously, each CASA volunteer only has one case at a time, allowing thorough review of the case and adequate time spent with each child. CASA also provides its services on a purely volunteer basis and does not receive payments or engage in any revenue-generating activity. This saves American taxpayers over $225 million a year in state and local services.

Nationwide, more than 50,000 volunteers currently serve 225,000 abused and neglected children, ensuring that these children have a voice in court and a future in a safe, permanent home. Children who have a CASA are more likely to be adopted, receive more services, and have their cases permanently closed than those without a CASA. Supporting and volunteering with CASA helps to ensure that all children receive this same care and do not fall through the cracks of the court system. Children are our future, and breaking the cycle of violence creates a stronger community and a safer world.

Here are some things you can do to get involved:

• Be a CASA volunteer!
  
  

• Spread the word to your friends! Think one of your friends or family members would make a great CASA volunteer? Talk to them about this opportunity.
  

• Learn more about child abuse and be more aware of the signs of abuse and neglect:
  

• National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence
  

• Child Welfare Information Gateway
  

• Prevent Child Abuse America

• Report suspected abuse or neglect anonymously – call the Department of Children's Services toll-free at 1-877-237-0004

• Donate to CASA and support CASA volunteers and outreach programs.

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