[Boulderbabe]

I'm a foster mom, and I love fostering. But since I've adopted my now-three year old, I have to admit that I just can't take any more foster kids. I'm a single mom with a full-time job, and I just can't handle any more kids full time.

But I care deeply about kids in the system and want to help. So I was thinking about volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

I don't have any experience with CASAs. None of my kids has ever had one. Could any of you who have worked with CASAs tell me if you thought they were helpful? What did they do? And how effective were they in your childrens' cases?

Thanks. I want to help, but don't want to waste time if I wouldn't be of any use.

[Gryph]

Foster parents cannot be CASAs in the same district. It's a conflict of interest. I do know a foster parent who lives on the state line as we do. He volunteers in another state.

CASA organizations love to recruit former foster. Contact your local organization or you can find it through the national one. The national site is great as it describes the history.

[V8 Momma]

My husband and I are foster parents and also CASAs. I think it depends on where you live as to if they will let you do both. We obviously cannot serve both jobs for the same child though.
Today we just returned from a termination hearing. This child was originally placed with us in foster care. He since went to other placements then home, then back to foster care (not with us, another foster family)- then we became his CASA's. Today we watched while mom and dad signed termination papers and now this boy has a forever family that is stable and good and loving. Can't tell you how good it was to see a GOOD ending to his story.
You can do both- check with your county DCS or contact the Judge's office locally to get in contact with the CASA (also called GAL's) in your area.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate!

[ca-bigsister]

I was a CASA before I was a foster mom. It is very rewarding. In LA, I did a 40 hour training (one week) and then was matched with a 5 year old boy with epilepsy. I speak some Spanish.

I went to school meetings, got him services at the regional center, became his educational advocate and met with the family once a month. It is rewarding, but can be difficult with a full-time job because you go to the court, etc.

I would be happy to talk to you about my experiences if you are interested. I really felt like I made a difference.

[tpakra]

I think that GOOD CASAs are very much in demand. After seeing my fs's CASA, it has made me want to go and volunteer so that children actually have a voice. With her, she has made it all personal, and is friends with the great aunt that is trying to take J from us. Of course she wants her friend to have him, so it's a total conflict, and she is looking for her friend's best interest, not the child's.

V8- you're in Indiana, right, or am I way off base? Which county?

[All Boys]

I too think that a good CASA is hard to come by... I mean they are the eyes and ears for the GAL, and the voice for the child... If the child is not old enough to know what they want, or what is right for them, they do need an imparticial party to make that decision for them... They need someone that will get in there, and really be willing to do the digging, that needs to be done to find out all that they can to help that child!
We are F/P, and we have a wonderful CASA. And she told us from the beginning, that she is for the child... And that is what they are suppose to do, is what is best for the child, not what is best for the family, or for the f/f, but what is best for the child!

[swanzie]

I have only had one experience with a CASA worker and i know they are in GREAT demand. I was told there are 800 kids on the waiting list to get a CASA worker assigned. Our CASA worker was and is WONDERFUL and I couldn't say enough about her if I tried. After our case I wished I knew her address to send her a thank you for looking out for these children note! And after I prayed to God to make sure she knew this - wouldn't you know it she called me to check on the kids!!

This woman only had the case like a month before the TPR trial - she had to interview everyone involved in the chldrens lives. She interviewed the social workers - my husand and I the children (a few times) teachers, their bio family - therapists involved with children and bio's and friends of bio's, my neighbors everyone.

We are not allowed to see the report she gave to the Judge...but I do know if it wasn't for her we would have had some very critical evidence thrown out - but since she got the proper waivers signed when speaking with the bio's and they brought up the subject - it was admitted...

I have also looked into becoming a CASA myself - this is probably something I would be VERY good at - because I like to know it all. I think I might take the course in September - I am still thinking about it. I know we can't be on the same case as those we foster - but we can CASA in the same county. Hey with a backlog of 800 kids needing one I would think that would be a good enough reason!!

[Boulderbabe]

Originally Posted by ca-bigsister

I was a CASA before I was a foster mom. It is very rewarding. ...
I would be happy to talk to you about my experiences if you are interested. I really felt like I made a difference.

CABigSister, I would LOVE to hear more about your experiences. What exactly did you do? What were your responsibilities? And how did you feel about doing the job?

[ca-bigsister]

You can send me a private message and I'll be happy to talk to you and give you my phone number

[tpakra]

I called on Monday to sign up to be a CASA, they told me that there was a new law that foster parents are no longer allowed to be CASAs.