CASA for Kids: 'Peter'

CASA CASE OF THE MONTH: “Peter”

A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer is needed to serve as an advocate for 16-year-old “Peter.”

The Department of Child Safety (DCS) took Peter into custody after his parents refused to allow him back in the home following behaviors that required crisis intervention. The parents are unable or unwilling to continue caring for Peter and have told DCS that they want the state to take custody of him. DCS has been unable to identify a relative in the area who is willing and able to care for Peter, so he has been placed in a group home out of the area.

Among the CASA volunteer’s responsibilities:

Monitoring Peter’s progress in his current placement; working with his DCS case manager and any service providers to ensure that he receives the appropriate services, such as educational and medical care; and making recommendations to the court about a permanent outcome for him.

Are you willing to give approximately 15 to 20 hours per month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in our community?

No experience is necessary, and comprehensive training is provided at no cost to the volunteer advocate. Once certification and training are complete, CASA volunteers spend time learning about the children and their needs, gather information about the children’s circumstances, advocate for services for the children, and provide information to the court about what is in the children’s best interest.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer and making a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child, please contact the CASA office at 928-771-3165.

EDITOR’S NOTE — The child’s name has been changed to protect the identities of those involved, and this child is not eligible for adoption at this time.