Be a Childs Voice in Court - C.A.S.A

Training will consist of a total of 12 trainings. This training has been developed by the National CASA Association and formatted around adult learning principals.

The classes in order cover:

1.      Introduction to the CASA Volunteer Role.

2.      Introduction to the Law, the Child Protection System & the   Courts

3.      Exploring Cultural Awareness.

4.      Understanding Families part one.

5.      Understanding Families art two.

6.      Understanding Children.

7.      Communicating as a CASA Volunteer.

8.      Practicing the CASA Volunteer Role.

9.      Practicing the CASA Volunteer Role: Reporting & Monitoring.

10.  Pulling It All Together.

11.  Guest Speaker

12.  Wrap up session 

This is a very important role as a citizen in the efforts of protecting the children of our community.   

What is CASA of Lassen County?

Last year in the U.S, millions of children were abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families. Over 430,000 of these children are placed under the protection of the court. It is up to the court to decide their future, whether they are placed in foster care, returned to their parents, or are adopted.

Since it's inception, Lassen Family Services CASA has provided services to children in juvenile dependency. We are the only Child Advocate Program in Lassen County, a rural, geographically isolated county in northeaster California. Due to the distance between areas served, increasing caseloads, and budget constraints, social workers are limited in their ability to meet the demands of the court and the needs of a child. While those of us battle the front lines to fulfill program requirements and maintain service delivery, many innocent children go unheard. As a result, they may remain in abusive situations or become lost in an over worked and under paid system.

Lassen Family Services CASA

LFS, is a private, nonprofit organization which provides crisis intervention to victims and survivors of crime in Lassen County. Since accepting the appointment by the former Superior Court Judge Joseph B. Harvey, LFS CASA has advocated for children in the juvenile dependency system. Our mission is to serve children in our community who often have no one else to speak for them. The three primary functions of a CASA are:

• A mentor for the child
• A child's voice in court
• Advocate for the needs of a child

CASA is one of the fastest growing community service projects in Lassen County. CASA Volunteers respond to the needs of abused and neglected children involved in the court process.

What Does a CASA do?

CASA volunteers are officers of the court. As such, they speak for the best interests of the child as no one else can. CASA's provide information to the court about the child's physical, social, and emotional needs. They assist in researching and assessing the circumstances of abuse and neglect and report findings and recommendations to the court.

You Can Become A CASA Volunteer

Are you a mature, responsible adult? Can you talk to people who are having problems? Do you have time to commit to working with children? If you answered "yes," then you may qualify to become a CASA volunteer. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life; with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Training is provided and no experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment to children. It takes about 10-15 hours a month to be a CASA volunteer. It's hard work, but it is rewarding.

Please call to find out how you can make a difference in a child's life. Ask for Gaylynn at 530-257-4599.