Thousands of children in Baltimore City are not safe living with their families. We can’t control where these children come from but we can have a positive impact on where they end up! It takes all of us, everyday people, to stand up and commit to making a meaningful difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. It starts, very simply, with one volunteer at a time.
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer!
Imagine yourself as a child who is suddenly thrust into the foster care system. You would likely find yourself moving from one foster family to another, from one unfamiliar neighborhood and school to another. These children deserve the stability and opportunity that comes with a caring home. That is why people who live and work in Baltimore City volunteer for CASA of Baltimore. They want to make a difference.
CASA of Baltimore needs dedicated, committed men and women who care about children. As a CASA volunteer you receive training from professional staff and the tools and support you need to aid in your work. CASA volunteers are appointed by a Judge to provide consistent and caring support on behalf of an innocent child involved with the Court due to maltreatment. CASA volunteers provide important and effective advocacy, helping the children by helping the Juvenile Court to have comprehensive and objective information about these families.
“…Sometimes this work takes you out of your comfort zone… It’s not always easy to do. But all in all, it’s very rewarding. You will be making a difference in a child’s life.” Charles Harris, Social Security Administration employee and CASA Volunteer
"You start out to change a child’s life and find you’ve also changed your own”. Carol Price, Homemaker, CASA Volunteer
CASA of Baltimore is not a glamorous, high-profile charity, but a practical, hard-working solution for children in foster care in Baltimore City. Your decision to help CASA of Baltimore will have a huge impact. Your impact is for today’s children…while they are still children!
Don’t wait.
The children need your help.
Call and learn more about being a CASA Volunteer!
410-244-1465
The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA of Baltimore) trains volunteers that advocate for abused and neglected children in Baltimore City.
CASA volunteers wear many hats:
Visitor: Volunteers develop an informal one-on-one relationship with the child, providing understanding, explanations of the complex court and child welfare systems, attention, and support.
Researcher: Volunteers engage in comprehensive investigations that include conducting personal interviews with family members and professionals involved with the child and reviewing records, documents and clinical data.
Reporter: Volunteers are responsible for providing the court with written reports for to each hearing.
Facilitator: Volunteers facilitate communication between the court, social workers, attorneys, therapists, teachers, etc., to ensure that all parties fulfill their obligations to the child in a timely manner.
Monitor: Volunteers are responsible for monitoring all court orders to ensure compliance by all parties and for informing the court of any changes in the child’s status that require modification of the court order.
Orientations:
CASA orientation sessions will provide information about the organization, the roles and responsibilities of the CASA Volunteer, and will begin the screening process for new volunteers. This will also provide an opportunity to have any questions you may have answered.
Anyone interested in participating in CASA's preservice training MUST attend one of the scheduled orientation sessions.
All Orientations are held at 511 E. Baltimore Street (Unless otherwise indicated**) From 6:30-8pm:
Thursday, May 21, 2009**
** Morgan State University
(exact location on campus to be determined)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
**Urban Medical Institute
Thursday, August 13, 2009
**Orleans Street Library
Thursday, September 10, 2009
**Site TBD
The next training class begins Tuesday June 9, 2009!
Click Here for a CASA Volunteer Inquiry Form
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