Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, volunteers are needed to help children in need.
Currently, CASAs are needed for five children. In each of these case, the child’s name has been changed to protect the identities of those involved. The children are not eligible for adoption.
■ A baby CASA is needed for 11-month-old Micah. The Arizona Department of Child Safety removed Micah from his parents’ care following substantiated reports of severe medical neglect. Micah was recently hospitalized for a high fever and dehydration, and medical professionals discovered evidence of significant physical abuse along with concerning pattern of missed pediatric appointments, unfilled prescriptions, and inadequate nutrition resulting in failure to thrive.
Despite months of in-home support services, the parents, who struggle with untreated mental health conditions including severe anxiety and agoraphobia, have been unable to consistently meet Micah’s medical needs or respond appropriately to his health concerns.
There are no appropriate relatives available to provide care at this time. Micah is currently placed in a medically trained foster home while assessments continue, and a case plan is developed.
Among the CASA volunteer’s responsibilities are monitoring Micah’s progress in his current placement; working with his DCS case manager and any service providers to ensure that he receives the appropriate services, such as medical care and physical therapy; and making recommendations to the court for a permanent outcome for him.
■ A CASA volunteer is needed to serve as an advocate for siblings, 13-year-old Maya and 6-year-old Elijah. DCS removed the children from the care of their aunt following the recent and untimely deaths of their parents. Although the aunt initially took the siblings in, she has struggled to meet their physical, emotional, and educational needs due to her own health issues and limited resources. Concerns were raised about inconsistent supervision, lack of medical appointments, and an unsafe living environment as the home needs extensive repairs to the roof and floors to bring it back up to livable standards for the children.
There are no other relatives identified who are able to provide care, and Maya and Elijah are currently placed together in a licensed foster home.
Among the CASA volunteer’s responsibilities are monitoring Maya and Elijah’s adjustment and well-being in their current placement, working with their DCS case manager and service providers to ensure they receive appropriate services such as counseling, medical care, and educational support, and making recommendations to the court regarding a safe and permanent living arrangement for the siblings.
■ A CASA volunteer is needed to advocate for 13-year-old Leila
DCS removed Leila from her parents’ care following multiple reports of chronic truancy and environmental neglect. School officials noted that Leila frequently arrived at school without proper hygiene, appropriate clothing, or meals, and she had been absent for extended periods without explanation.
A home visit revealed unsafe living conditions,including a lack of running water and consistent access to food. Despite prior attempts to support the family with community resources, the situation failed to improve.
Leila’s parents are currently not engaged in the case plan, and no relatives have been identified who are willing or able to provide care. She is currently placed in a licensed group home in Phoenix.
Among the CASA volunteer ’s responsibilities are monitoring Leila’s well-being and progress in her current placement, working closely with her DCS case manager and service providers to ensure she receives necessary services, such as counseling, medical care, and educational support and making thoughtful recommendations to the court regarding a safe and permanent plan for her future.
■ A CASA volunteer is needed to serve as an advocate for two-year-old Bethany. DCS removed Bethany from her parents’ care following reports of physical abuse and severe neglect in a home where methamphetamines, fentanyl and cocaine were actively being used and manufactured. First responders discovered Bethany in unsafe conditions during a welfare check. She was visibly dirty, underweight, and had untreated injuries consistent with physical abuse. Drug paraphernalia and hazardous materials were found within reach of the child, and neither parent was in a condition to provide appropriate care.
Bethany is currently placed in a licensed foster home while DCS continues its investigation and works to establish a long-term plan for her safety and well-being.
Among the CASA volunteer’s responsibilities are monitoring Bethany’s physical and emotional recovery in her current placement, collaborating with her DCS case manager and medical providers to ensure she receives necessary services such as medical care and developmental assessments.
Additionally, the CASA will make informed recommendations to the court regarding a safe and permanent outcome for her.
Contact the CASA office at (928) 771-3165.
Are you willing to give approximately 15-20 hours per month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in our community? Are you detail-oriented and organized? Do you have time to review documents, attend meetings, and write a quarterly report based on the information you’ve received? No experience is necessary, and comprehensive training is provided at no cost to the volunteer advocate. Once certification and training are complete,
CASA volunteers spend time learning about the child and their needs, gather information about the child’s circumstances, advocate for services for the child, and provide information to the court about what is in the child’s best interest.
