This week marks the beginning of CASA’s annual 50 in 50 recruitment challenge. CASA is challenging community members to become volunteer Advocates for foster children and help reach its goal of recruiting fifty new volunteer Advocates in the next fifty days. Each week on the South Plains at least 10 children enter the foster care system due to abuse and neglect. These children need Advocates who can be a voice for their well-being. CASA Advocates, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, give a voice to foster kids who need someone that will look out for their best interest.
CASA is encouraging all interested individuals to attend a CASA 101 informational session at #24 Briercroft Office Park on Thursday, January 28th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a great, no-obligation introduction to CASA and its mission. CASA staff and current Advocates will be on hand to discuss the increasing need for volunteers, what it means to be a CASA, and how community members can help make a difference in the life of area foster children. Lunch will be provided to attendees. To sign up, please R.S.V.P to Amanda Norfleet by Wednesday, January 27th at (806) 763-2272 or via email at amandan@lubbockcasa.org.
“Every child in foster care needs someone who has the know-how and ability to talk to all of the “powers that be” on his behalf,” said Jim, CASA Advocate.
For questions or for more information about how to become a CASA, please contact Amanda Norfleet, Recruitment Director at (806) 763-2272 or via email at amandan@lubbockcasa.org.
About CASA of the South Plains
CASA of the South Plains empowers community members to serve as volunteer Advocates that speak for the well-being of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Court appointed special advocates are community members just like you who ensure each foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
CASA’s Impact
1. More than 90% of children with CASA Advocates never re-enter the child welfare system.
2. Children with a CASA Advocate spend 5 months less in foster care.
3. CASA Advocates donated 9,296 hours in 2014, saving county taxpayers more than $370,960 in county paid attorney fees.
How You Can Help
1. Become a CASA Advocate – more than 700 children are without the assistance of an Advocate in the South Plains.
2. Become a CASA donor – it costs CASA $1,500 to recruit and train each Advocate.
3. Host a CASA 101 – CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.
To learn how to become an Advocate or to donate, please visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.
(Press release from CASA of the South Plains)