Court Appointed Special Advocates are needed for several children.
A CASA needs to give approximately 15 to 20 hours per month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in the community; be detail-oriented and organized; and have time to review documents, attend meetings and write a quarterly report based on the information 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.
Note that the children’s names have been changed to protect their identities. These children are not available for adoption at this time.
▪ A CASA volunteer is needed for Logan, a 2-year-old boy who came into care after repeated concerns of neglect were confirmed. When the Department of Child Services arrived, they discovered the home in disarray, with hazardous items within reach and no safe space for a toddler to play or sleep.
Logan was often left without proper meals or supervision, raising immediate concerns about his safety. Logan is currently placed in a licensed foster home where he is receiving consistent care, nutritious meals and the attention a toddler needs to thrive. His parents have been offered reunification services, including substance abuse treatment and parenting education.
The volunteer’s responsibilities include monitoring Logan’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 early developmental screenings; and making recommendations to the court about a permanent outcome for him.
▪ A CASA volunteer is needed for Grayson, a 15-year-old boy. Grayson came into care after repeated reports revealed that he had been left without proper supervision for extended periods. His mother, who is his sole caregiver, struggles with serious medical issues that demand much of her time and strength. While she loves her son, her health challenges and ongoing financial instability have made it difficult for her to provide the consistent care Grayson needs.
Without guidance at home, he began skipping school and engaging in risky behaviors, raising concerns about his long-term safety and stability.
Grayson is now placed in a group home out of the area, where he has access to structure and positive adult role models. He has expressed interest in counseling and extracurricular activities but will need strong advocacy to ensure he receives these supports. His mother has been offered reunification services, but her ability to participate consistently remains uncertain given her ongoing health struggles.
The volunteer’s responsibilities include monitoring Grayson’s progress in his current placement; working with his DCS case manager and any service providers to ensure he receives the appropriate services, such as medical care and early developmental screenings; and making recommendations to the Court about a permanent outcome for him.
▪ A CASA volunteer is needed for siblings Emma, 9, and Lucas, 7. The children came into care after ongoing concerns about chronic truancy and neglect were substantiated. Both often arrived at school hungry, unbathed and wearing clothes that were too small. Teachers also reported that Emma was falling behind academically while Lucas struggled with frequent outbursts and difficulty concentrating, raising concerns about their emotional well-being.
Emma and Lucas are now living together in a kinship foster placement committed to supporting them, but there are concerns about long-term stability due to the caregiver’s financial struggles.
Their parents have been referred to substance abuse services but have not followed through consistently. Without a CASA, the children’s educational and emotional needs risk being overlooked.
The volunteer’s responsibilities include monitoring Emma and Lucas’s progress in their current placement; working with their DCS case manager and any service providers to ensure that they receive the appropriate services, such as medical care and early developmental screenings; and making recommendations to the court about a permanent outcome for them.
▪ A CASA volunteer is needed for Ava, an 8-month-old girl. Ava came into care after medical staff discovered she was severely underweight and developmentally delayed. Investigators found that her parents were struggling with untreated substance use and left Ava without adequate nutrition, safe supervision or regular medical care.
Currently, Ava is placed in a licensed foster home where her immediate needs are being met, and she is gaining weight with proper formula and medical oversight. While reunification services are being offered to her parents, their participation has been inconsistent and their ability to provide safe care for Ava remains in question.
The volunteer’s responsibilities include monitoring Ava’s progress in her current placement; working with her DCS case manager and any service providers to ensure that she receives the appropriate services, such as medical care and early developmental screenings; and making recommendations to the court about a permanent outcome for her.
Those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer and making a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child, contact the CASA office in the Verde Valley at (928) 554-8900, or the Prescott office at (928) 771-3165.
