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Each year, thousands of children are thrust into court through no fault of their own. Some are victims of violence, psychological torment, or sexual abuse. Others have been neglected or abandoned by their own parents. Most are frightened and confused. These children enter a massive child welfare system - a complex legal network of lawyers, social workers and judges - who are often too frequently overworked to give urgent attention to each child.
In 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington, observed a recurring problem of too little information in the courtroom upon which to base life-changing decisions about the safety, permanency and well-being of children. He raised funding to recruit and train community volunteers to speak on behalf of children in court. In 1977, a CASA pilot program was formed based on Judge Soukup's idea. In 1982, the National CASA Association was established to direct CASA's emerging national presence. In 1988, Georgia CASA began as a demonstration project of Kids of Georgia Need Volunteers, Inc. In 1989, two pilot CASA programs in Georgia were formed and the first CASA volunteers were sworn-in. In 1992, Georgia CASA gained independent, nonprofit status and began transitioning CASA programs into independence. Federal law requires that a Guardian ad Litem (GAL- person appointed by the court to advocate for the best interest of a child involved in a juvenile court deprivation proceeding), a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), or both, be appointed in all cases of child abuse or neglect. Georgia law includes GALs and/or CASAs for children in juvenile court deprivation (abuse and neglect) proceedings (O.C.G.A. 15-11-9(b)). Georgia law also outlines the responsibilities and limitations of CASA volunteers (O.C.G.A. 15-11-9.1) |
In the words of Jacke, former foster youth... "A few days after I was placed in a foster home, I was introduced to my CASA volunteer. Of course I resented her at first, but at the time I resented everyone who tried to comfort me. But this was a person who wanted to get to know me and allow me to get to know her. She cared about me and only wanted to hear what I wanted and what was in the best interest of me. It felt amazing."
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