420 Virginia Avenue, New Madrid, Missouri 63869
Welcome to CASA!
CASA Of The 34th Circuit
History of CASA-In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle was concerned about making decisions on behalf of abused/neglected children without enough information. Much contemplating and planning occurred and the CASA movement began. Today, there are 950 local CASA programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Since the inception of CASA advocacy, volunteers have helped millions of children find safe, permanent homes. CASA of the 34th Circuit was founded in 2021 and is the 24th CASA program in Missouri. We are members of National CASA/GAL Association and the Missouri CASA Association. CASA of the 34th Circuit will provide best-interest advocacy for children in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Our CASA Advisory Committee members include Landon Fisher, Towina Jones, Vicki Pylate, and Beth Cagle.
We have seven active volunteers as of October 2024. Our goal is to have at least 12 trained and actively advocating for children by the end of 2024. Volunteering with CASA is a very rewarding experience.
Contact CASA
What exactly does a CASA Volunteer do?
After extensive training, the CASA Volunteer will be sworn in by the Judge and will be assigned to a case. The CASA Volunteer then begins to understand the details of the child's case, from revieing documents to interviewing those involved. The CASA Volunteer will visit with the child and others pertinent to the child's life. The CASA Volunteer will document the interactions. The CASA Volunteer will submit a Court Report for hearings with a recommendation based on best interests of the child. The CASA will continue to monitor the case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.
How much time is required to volunteer?
Each case is different. Most CASA programs tell their volunteers to plan for approximately 5-10 hours per month. Keep in mind that is not necessarily 5-10 hours out and about. That could be receiving/sending phone calls/texts/emails, documenting your observations, and preparing reports as well as the out and about which includes visits with child/parent/foster parent and court appearances. Much of that can be done anywhere; your home, your car, your other place of employment. It's flexible and you can make it work for your schedule.
Is there a "typical" volunteer?
Nope! CASA Volunteers are ordinary people who are concerned about safety and well-being of children. It could be a college student, a retired person or anyone in between. Much of the time it will be people who previously worked in or with children such as teachers, caseworkers, therapists, but we want everyone! You need no legal expertise, but you do need to be committed to your case and willing to fight for what is in the child's best interest. Males are generally less represented as CASA volunteers, but we hope to get a good representation in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties. CASA Volunteers are required to be 21 or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent and successfully complete a background screening.
How is a CASA Volunteer different from a caseworker or attorney?
Caseworkers are employed by MDSS-Children's Division or possibly a private child welfare agency. Caseworkers handle many cases at one time and are responsible for helping the entire family. The CASA volunteer is not paid, works on only one case at a time, is an advocate for best interests of the child and does not set up services. An attorney provides legal advice and legal representation. A CASA volunteer cannot give legal advice. A CASA Volunteer does not replace the caseworker or attorney.
What if I have more questions?
Of course you have more questions. Contact us email casa@nmcfamilyresourcecenter.com or meagana@nmcfamilyresourcecenter.com. Call me at the resource center 573 748 2778. Look at our events schedule. We may have an information zoom session upcoming. If interested, join one of those meetings. I look forward to answering more questions for you.
