Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.

Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in foster care throughout the state of Georgia. As part of the broader Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) movement, it recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteers who are appointed by courts to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Purpose and Impact

The primary goal of Georgia CASA is to ensure that every child in foster care has an advocate to represent their interests and support their journey toward a safe and permanent home. CASA volunteers provide personalized attention and advocate for resources and services that help improve a child's experience in foster care.

Operations

Georgia CASA operates through affiliate programs across the state, each responsible for managing local CASA volunteer recruitment and training. These programs align with national CASA standards, providing a structured approach to supporting children in the foster care system.

History and Partnerships

While the specific founding date of Georgia CASA is not detailed, it is part of the larger CASA movement that began in 1977 with the pioneering work of Judge David Soukup in Washington state. Today, Georgia CASA collaborates with state and local agencies, leveraging both public and private funding to sustain its operations.

Services and Advocacy

CASA volunteers undergo intensive training, including coursework on dependency, child development, and juvenile court procedures. This training prepares them to gather information from various sources, such as teachers, family members, and medical professionals, to make informed recommendations to judges about a child's best interests. The CASA program emphasizes establishing stable relationships with children and advocating for their safety, education, health, and future well-being.

Training and Requirements

Prospective CASA volunteers must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training in Georgia, which includes classroom instruction and court observation. Volunteers must also pass a thorough background check. This comprehensive approach ensures that CASA advocates are well-equipped to support children effectively throughout their journey in foster care.

Impact and Challenges

While CASA programs have made significant contributions nationwide, there have been discussions about program effectiveness and the need to address systemic issues such as diversity and accessibility within the volunteer pool. Despite these challenges, organizations like Georgia CASA continue to play a vital role in advocating for the welfare of vulnerable children.