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Logan County CASA For Kids is putting out the alarm regarding an urgent need for volunteers for their organization.
“In 2022, DHS removed 35 children from their homes in Logan county in total. So far in 2023, DHS has already removed seven children from their homes,” says Nikki Long, executive director of Logan County CASA For Kids. That pace would double last year’s total, and indicates the significant need for volunteer advocates through casa to help with these cases.
Long says there are currently 38 cases just with Guthrie CASA alone, covering more than 63 children, awaiting appointment of a volunteer Special Advocate. Some counties have adequate volunteer ranks, but Logan County does not.
A CASA For Kids volunteer can be appointed as Court-Appointed Special Advocate to help determine what’s best for the child or children involved, and assist DHS in figuring out the best way forward. “Not every case is referred to CASA, “ Long says. “However, when the judge or district attorney feels the child does not have adequate family support, or someone to speak for the child, an advocate can be appointed through our organization to help with that.”
DHS child welfare specialists typically have 15 or more cases at a time; this means CASA volunteers are critical in helping find the facts of the child’s situation. There have been many cases where biological parents have managed to hide abuse from DHS review due to a worker’s caseload, but the abuse was later discovered by an appointed CASA volunteer, and the children were taken from those abusive situations. CASA volunteers are meant to be the one single consistent advocate for a child for the entire life cycle of a case. “Ideally, the goal is to have one CASA assigned to the case from start to finish. Obviously, you are making recommendations to the court, and you’re making your recommendations in the best interests of the child, and trying to get them all the services and support and care that they need.”
Long indicates that it can sometimes take a while: “Some cases may be closed in 4-6 months, but there are cases that go on for a few years.” Long herself is still working as a CASA on a case that began in May 2020. “We’ve gone through multiple therapists and multiple placements in custody.” This demonstrates the need for a consistent Advocate until the case is closed.
An advocate will typically spend roughly 12 hours per month, per case they have assigned. This can be one child or multiple, because a case follows a family. Advocates have access to all school, medical, and family records, any documentation relevant to the child’s situation. They meet and check in with children’s families, both biological and adopted, as well as any assigned DHS workers, and foster parents. And of course, they meet individually with the child or children face-to-face every month. Additionally, advocates meet quarterly with therapists, attorneys, educational providers, or other parties. Finally, they attend court once every 90 days to speak on the case.
CASA For Kids strives to maintain an excellent reputation around their cases and recommendations, and they have managed to do so in Logan County. They need individuals with high integrity to work with the court and help these children.
The work can be very challenging but also very rewarding. “Seeing the children in the case grow from a neglected, abusive home into a loving, caring situation where they can really flourish, watching that happen is so rewarding. Knowing that if you weren’t there for them, the outcome could have been much worse for them.”
Long or other folks from CASA For Kids are happy to speak at any local organizations or events that may be interested in partnering or volunteering. “We’re a nonprofit, so we are happy to accept any time or money anyone is willing to give.”
The next round of training for new volunteers starts in March. It’s one night per week for 5 weeks. For anyone who is interested in volunteering their time, or in giving money to help Logan County CASA for Kids, they can reach out to CASA for Kids at 405-624-2242, or email the organization at info@casaforkids.com.