together we will
You can help abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state by getting involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) network.
Volunteer
to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Contribute
by making a charitable donation
Support
local CASA activities
and events
and events
Share
information about
our mission and work
our mission and work
Volunteer
When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or a CASA volunteer, to speak up for the best interests of the child in family court and other settings.
As a CASA volunteer, you will make a real difference for abused and neglected children by giving them a voice and providing a stable influence in their lives. You will serve as the eyes and ears of the court to promote the safety and well-being of children in the protective services system. To ensure you understand your role, special training and supervision will be provided before you are assigned a case.
Data shows that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer advocate are more likely to:
Find a safe, permanent home
Spend less time in foster care
Have fewer moves between foster placements
Do better in school
Receive the services they need
Avoid re-entry into foster care
CASA volunteers are positively impacting the lives of abused and neglected children.
What Do CASA Volunteer Advocates Do?
Volunteer responsibilities include:
- Spending a significant amount of time with a child to build a relationship and gain his or her trust
- Exploring all aspects of the child’s life and gather information from everyone involved, including family members, foster parents, teachers, daycare providers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and other relevant persons
- Ensuring the child has access to needed services, i.e. medical, education and housing
- Accompanying the child to court to advocate for their needs and rights
- Providing a comprehensive picture of the child’s life to the judge when the case goes to court
- Promoting safety and bringing a sense of urgency to the child’s needs
- Committing to advocate for the child’s best interest until he or she reaches a safe, permanent home
CASA volunteer advocates must:
- Be willing to commit several hours of your time each month for at least one year
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Participate in an in-depth training program
- Participate in an in-service training
- Pass criminal and DHR history background checks
- Be over age 21
Take the First Step
Are you ready to speak up for children in need?
TOGETHER WE WILL improve the lives of
abused and neglected children in the Cheaha Region.
Careers with CASA of the Cheaha Region
CASA of the Cheaha Region provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), color, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, family care status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal and state laws.
Current Opportunities:
CASA of The Cheaha Region is currently hiring for the position of Advocate Coordinator.
Advocate Coordinator Hiring Announcement
Position: Advocate Coordinator
Status: Full-time
Location: CASA of the Cheaha Region, Calhoun County
Salary: $36,000
Reports to Executive Director
SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for the ongoing supervision of advocates and management of the program’s appointed cases of abuse and neglect in the Court.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree preferred, in a social service-related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have advanced writing skills and be able to pass a grammatical exam prior to hiring. Ability to interact with, inspire, and empower volunteers effectively. Consistently able to work with different types of personalities respectfully. Positive, uplifting attitude with ability to adapt. Knowledge and understanding of issues and dynamics within families in crisis relating to child abuse and neglect. Long term commitment to the program’s mission, goals, and standards. Must have the ability to be on call as needed for volunteer support. After hours and weekend work may be required, periodically.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Volunteer Management
Assist with the recruitment, screening and training of new volunteers. Assist with reviewing new cases and assigning volunteers. Prepare and distribute assignment documentation. Oversee case development. Provide support to volunteers through regular communication. Consult with volunteers regarding reports. Attend court hearings when required. Maintain case files on-site to include maintenance and data entry in Optima software. Assist with the completion of monthly reporting and implementation of a volunteer in-service training program. Prepare volunteer evaluations. Prepare written court reports. Edit written volunteer reports. Grammatically proficient in written and spoken word. Assist in the preparation of volunteer and community events.
· Community Awareness
Maintain effective relationships through personal contact and written communication with other professional and social service organizations, funding groups and charitable organizations. Interpret the mission of CASA to the public.
· Administrative
Attend conferences, seminars, continuing education and meetings as requested by the Program Director. Participate in fundraising activities when requested. Maintain own casefiles for own caseload and file accordingly. Compile statistical information as required. Travel and reliable transportation are required; and other duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Be a team-player and support co-workers in the CASA office, as well as team members in DHR and the legal system. Business casual attire appropriate for office environment. Local travel required; proof of Alabama driver’s license and car insurance (required).
Candidates must successfully complete the local and federal criminal background checks, sex offender background checks, and Child Abuse Registry clearances.
EEO POLICY STATEMENT
The Alabama CASA Network and CASA of the Cheaha Region provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), color, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, family care status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal and state laws.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your resume and cover letter to lmiller@cheahacasa.org
Other Opportunities
If you’re looking for ways to support CASA and the vulnerable children we serve, but aren’t in a position to become a volunteer advocate—don’t worry. There are several other ways you can help:
Become a non-advocate volunteer:
Creative ways to help your local CASA programs are endless and very welcome. Please contact our office if you are interested in volunteering as a non-advocate.
- Help with administrative tasks in your local CASA office
- Set up a luggage, gas card, or office supply drive
- Assist with filing or data entry
- Donate office space to a CASA program in your community
- Volunteer to be on our events team
- Make or purchase birthday and/or Valentine cards for CASA kids that your local program staff can deliver
- Organize a “Blue Jeans” day at your office where employees pay $5 to wear jeans; proceeds go to CASA
Spread the word:
- Share our website with family, friends and co-workers
- Follow us on social media, and like and share our postings:
Make a financial contribution:
Your tax-deductible donation enables us to advocate for more children in need. There are several ways and opportunities to give:
- Make an individual donation
- Supplement your contribution with a matching gift from your employer
- Donate in memory or honor of a family member or friend
- Give a donation to commemorate a special event
- Sponsor an Event
- Make a recurring donation of $10/month
CASA of the Cheaha Region Sponsors
Our Supporters
We truly appreciate the corporations and foundations who support CASA of the Cheaha Region. Their continued generosity and commitment enable us to serve more children.
CASA Champions donate over $25,000 annually:
CASA Protectors donate over $15,000 annually:
Keller Williams Realty Group
CASA Ambassadors:
Berman Charitable Foundation
Sunny King Automotive Group
Jacksonville State University’s Alpha Xi Delta
CASA Sponsors:
Michael and Tonya Sargent
Leatherwood Baptist Church’s GAP Women’s Ministry
SAM’s Club Oxford, Alabama
Walmart of Oxford
Ike & Carrie Brown
Covenant Life Ministries, Alexandria
Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical
Brown Roofing Co, Inc.
Rotary Club of Calhoun County
Kiwanis Club of Anniston
Magical Wishes Travel, LLC
CASA GEMs (Givers Every Month):
Donny & Maegan Dunn
Kelsey and Hellon McWilliams
Apex Coatings
Magical Wishes Travel by Shana Reed
We have made every effort to ensure our lists are complete and accurate. If you have found an error or omission, please contact Laura Miller at 334-610-6559 or email Lmiller@alabamacasa.org.
DATE CHANGE!!!
It’s time to TEE UP against child abuse! Mark your calendars and plan to play, sponsor, or both! See you on the greens 😎
The 3rd annual No Excuse for Child Abuse Candlelight Vigil brought a team of judges, law enforcement, DHR, attorneys, counselors, investigators, church members, DA's office, and friends who will continue to unite against the war against our children.
Thank you, Alex Ference, for the photos.
This Child Abuse Awareness Month, our community is invited to come together in our fight against child abuse. While we unite and ignite our flames, we will be reminded that alone we can do very little, but together we can change the lives of children.
Child welfare agencies, non-profits, judges, law enforcement, elected officials and more will gather round with the community on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:00PM at the Veterans Memorial Park at the Oxford Civic Center.
Change A Child’s Story!
