Tehachapi News

Court Appointed Special Advocates are everyday heroes to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse abandonment or neglect.  When parents are unable or unwilling to protect their children, the court system steps in to take over, and these parents are given an opportunity to “get it together” and get their children back.  During that time, 12 – 18 months typically, these children are placed in the foster care system.  All too often they are separated from their siblings, moved numerous times which means changing schools, and in the case of many foster kids in outlying areas of Kern County, isolated from whatever support system they had. 

All children in the juvenile dependency system have an attorney and a social worker, and those dedicated professionals have caseloads that can be overwhelming.  CASA volunteers are assigned to just one child or one sibling set and typically meet with their CASA kids once a week for an hour or two.  They also talk to the child’s teacher if there are educational issues, meet with the care providers who might be relatives, foster parents or group home staff and communicate with both the attorney and social worker assigned to the case.  Depending on the child’s situation, the CASA volunteer may meet with the parents who are in the process of having their children returned to them. Based on their observations, the CASA submits a written report to the court as to the best interests of the child, thus serving as the eyes and ears for the judge who then makes a ruling.  

CASA matches trained volunteers with children from birth to age 18.  The 30 hour training program provides information about the different stages of development, and focuses on the specific issues affecting children of abuse.  Other topics covered in training include Working with the Courts, Department of Human Services, Cultural Awareness and Dynamics of Abuse.  Following the training, CASA volunteers work closely with a case manager who supervises the case and provides support. 

Before being accepted into the CASA program, volunteers must first complete an application and pass an interview and screening process.  CASA requires an 18 month commitment and an average of 10-15 hours per month, which includes time spent with the child, time writing reports and attending bi-annual court hearings as well as participating in continuing education. The majority of CASAs are employed full time and easily schedule their volunteer hours around their work hours.

If you are interested in learning more about the CASA program, plan to attend a community orientation on Thursday August 24^th from 12:00 – 1:00 at the West Park Activity Center, 490 West D Street in Tehachapi.  A special CASA training is scheduled to begin on September 30^th in Tehachapi.  Please contact Kate Kenney at (661) 321-4873 to RSVP.