CASA volunteers are highly effective in advocating for abused and neglected children.  In fact, a recent national survey reveals that judges believe the work of CASA volunteers is high quality, beneficial to judicial decision-making, and valuable to the children and families served.  (For more information, see www.nationalcasa.org).  Unfortunately, the courts are seeing an increasing number of children in abuse and neglect cases, and more volunteers are needed.  In Indiana, the law was recently changed to say that EVERY child (not just children in certain cases) should have a CASA to speak for them. There is a critical need for volunteers so that no child goes without an advocate to guide them through the most difficult time in their young lives.   

There are over 50,000 CASA volunteers across the country. Allen County CASA Program is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the rewarding and empowering experience of serving as a CASA volunteer. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and must pass screening requirements and receive training to serve as a CASA. 

Allen County CASA Program recruits and provides thorough training for volunteer advocates (30 hours) to prepare them to investigate cases, assure that children’s needs are met during the legal proceedings, and assist children with navigating the complex child welfare system.  Volunteers are asked to commit to a child until the legal proceeding is over and the child is able to go home, is adopted or achieves permanency in a safe and stable home. 

In addition to serving as child advocates, the Allen County CASA Program also invites volunteers who are interested to assist in other areas, such as with outreach, marketing, fundraising, and leadership efforts. With the growing number of children in the court system, more outreach and marketing efforts are needed to recruit and train advocates and to raise funds. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please click to print the Volunteer Application  and fax it to us at (260) 449-7828.  We will be in touch within the next few days to discuss your interest.  You may also contact Julia McIntosh, CASA Specialist, by telephone at 260-449-7190. 

DONATE

Allen County CASA Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  All donations to the Allen County CASA Coalition are considered tax-deductible, if you itemize deductions (contact your tax advisor).

To impact the life of an abused or neglected child and give them a brighter future, (Click here) to donate to Allen County CASA Coalition online.  Your gift will be used to make a significant difference in the life of a child by helping to cover the cost of screening, training and supervising volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected foster children in court. 

Donations may also be mailed to: Allen County CASA Coalition, 11801 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46818 or you may call Rex McFarren at (260) 449-7190 or E-mail Rex.McFarren@co.allen.in.us