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The CASA Project Of Worcester County
Abused and neglected children in the court system have a right to a consistent advocate – a voice in court. The CASA Project recruits, trains, and provides supervision and support of community volunteers who are appointed by a judge to serve as guardians ad litem. These advocates promote and protect the interests of children involved in judicial proceedings. The CASA Project serves as an advocate for these children in the courts, throughout the human service system, and in the community at large.
Description:
Some people love animals, some people hug trees, and some people who love children become CASA volunteers! You may be surprised to learn that Worcester County has its own chapter of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocacy), a national organization that is frequently featured on the "Dr. Phil Show."
We currently have over 150 volunteers, but we need more volunteers because we want to help more children. We are looking for:
• women and men who can spare 10 -15 hours per month for about a year to stay with a child until the case is closed. Once trained, most CASA activity is done at the CASA volunteer's convenience. About 1/3 of our volunteers work full-time outside the home. This activity is perfect for stay-at-home moms, as well.
• men – because half of the children in CASA's cases are boys, and boys especially benefit from having a strong male presence in their lives
Associate Justice Luis G. Perez of the Dudley Juvenile Court is a strong supporter of CASA. He says, "Every case should have a CASA. Every child should have a voice."
All of the children are victims, and most of them are little:
• 80% are 12 years old and under
• 50% are 5 years old and under
CASA offers a free, intensive (and interesting!) training course to familiarize prospective volunteers with the Courts and the Dept. of Children and Families effects of abuse and neglect on child development; and how to conduct a CASA investigation, among other topics.
CASA works in tandem with the Courts and the DCF to find the best solution for children who have been abused and neglected by their caregivers. We want to help child victims before they progress to adult perpetrators.
Judge Perez assigns volunteers to a particular child or sibling group. The CASA volunteer works closely with the skilled CASA staff to find and develop information that is useful for the court in order to help the child find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. In addition, the CASA volunteer advocates for needed medical and educational services while the child is in the DCF custody.
CASA hopes to find people to advocate on behalf of children in the Milford area. We will conduct training locally in February, and almost all CASA work can be done locally, as well.
Judge Perez says, "I sleep better at night knowing that a CASA is on the case. I wish we had a CASA on every case."
If you would like to help a child in need or to find out more, call Elizabeth Johnson Tsang (Liz) at 508-757-9877 or visit our website: www.casaworcestercounty.org
History:
The CASA Project is one of five national pilot projects of the National CASA Association. In 1988 the CASA Project became an independent non-profit organization. CASA serves on child protection and some CHINS cases in the Worcester County Juvenile Court.
Contact people:
Main office number: (508) 757-9877Office fax number: (508) 792-1542
Address:
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100 Grove StreetWorcester, MA 01605(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.casaworcestercounty.org
Directions:
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From Rte. 495 to Rte. 290 West: Take exit 18. At bottom of the ramp, turn right. Stay to the right, and bear right onto Concord St. just before lights. Turn right at the light onto Grove Street. We are. . . (more) |
| Last updated on November 3, 2009 |
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