Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a national nonprofit organization and volunteer movement that began in 1976. It's founder, Seattle Superior Court Judge David Soukup, decided he couldn't endure any more sleepless nights worrying about the lifelong impact his decisions had on abused and neglected children. At that time, children in foster care didn't receive the same representation in court as parents did. Perry County CASA recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to provide a voice for children from age birth to age 18 who have experienced abuse or neglect. These volunteers establish a one-on-one relationship with the child and ensure that their emotional, health, well-being and educational needs are met until they are reunited with their families or another permanent plan is found. Often the CASA Advocate is the consistent relationship the child has ever had. CASA Volunteers receive 30 hours of training, which includes understanding the court process, the foster care system, and how to work with a child and advocate for them. The CASA Volunteer receives support from the CASA Director throughout the whole case and becomes part of our CASA family. Please contact Amy for more information at casa.perrycounty@gmail.com