together we will
You can help abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state by getting involved with CASA of Jefferson County.
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 advocates 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
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
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
Spread the word:
- Share our website with family, friends and co-workers
- Follow us on social media, and like and share our postings:
- Host a CASA Fundraiser for your company, community organization or school
Careers with CASA of Jefferson County
CASA of Jefferson County 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.
Kinship Care is when a child lives with a family member. Here are some reasons Kinship Care is so important.
1. It prevents the trauma of being placed with strangers.
2. It reinforces the child’s identity and feelings of security.
3. It allows children to remain within their extended family network.
4. Children living in Kinship Care are less likely to re-enter foster care.
5. Kinship Care improves the child's cultural and familial connections.
Hooray for all those family members who take on this great act of love!
We were honored to have the Megan Montgomery Foundation present on domestic violence perceptions, prevention and the trauma associated therewith. Thank you Susann, Rod, Meredith and Dottie for sharing this important information with our volunteers, staff and Board.
Domestic Violence Prevention In-Service Training
Due to a power outage at the Birmingham Family Court, the CASA In-Service training has been moved to the Bessemer Family Court. 12:00!
Change A Child’s Story!
