CASA for Children, Inc. is seeking more volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children in foster care in our community.

“We want every child involved in the child welfare system to have an advocate by their side while they go through such an uncertain time in their lives,” said Suzanne Hughes, Executive Director of CASA for Children. “We are always in need of more volunteers from the community to serve these children and their families.”

CASA volunteers with CASA for Children are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in the state’s child welfare system. They advocate for the child in court, school, and other settings; and get to know everyone involved in the child’s life, including their parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, family members and others.

CASA volunteers advocate first and foremost for children to be reunified with their parents whenever safe and possible. When reunification is not an option, they may advocate for the child to live with another relative or family friend. They can also advocate for the child to be placed in an adoptive home. In all cases, CASA volunteers are a steadfast, consistent presence for the children they serve, making sure they are safe and have the resources and connections they need to grow and thrive.

“Being a CASA provides an immediate impact for a child, but has created a lasting impact on me.” said Kim Williams, a CASA volunteer for CASA for Children. “We are the voice and strength for children whose lives have been negatively affected. As a CASA, we can be part of the positive change for those children.”

Just last year, CASA for Children advocated for 297 children in foster care in Muskogee, Sequoyah, Wagoner, and McIntosh Counties. Yet, many children still don’t have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them.

“Our mission is to serve every child in our area,” said Hughes. “We never want a child to go without a CASA volunteer – that is why we need our community’s support, and for more people to step up and make a difference!”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer or other ways to get involved visit www. casaok.org or call Jenny Crosby at 918-685-1501.