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CASA News
How CASA volunteers support Central Oregon foster youth: Season of Sharing 2025
Nov. 30, 2025, 6:00 a.m.
A recent Oregonian feature highlights the powerful impact CASA volunteers have on children in foster care through the story of former youth Kira Akito and his long time CASA, Dick Ross. It also sheds light on the rising number of children in care across Central Oregon and the growing need for more trained advocates. The article is part of the Season of Sharing campaign and explores how community support helps CASA reach more children.
Welcoming New Voices: 18 CASA Volunteers Sworn In to Advocate for Children
November 12, 2025
We’re proud to welcome 18 new CASA volunteers, recently sworn in by Judge Flint at the Deschutes County Courthouse, our first in-person ceremony since 2019. Gathering in one room to celebrate their commitment was a powerful reminder of what it means to stand up for children in foster care.
These advocates are already stepping into their roles, ensuring that every child has a voice and someone by their side during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Your support makes moments like this possible, thank you for helping us grow our volunteer community!
Want to be part of this life-changing work?
Our next CASA training begins January 13, 2025, held virtually from 5-8:30 PM, ideal for those seeking flexibility and evening sessions.
If you or someone you know is ready to make a difference, apply today and join a growing community of advocates, donors, and partners who believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Celebrating 20 Years of Advocacy, Impact, and Hope
October 2025
This year marks a powerful milestone: 20 years of standing beside children in foster care and advocating for their right to safety, stability, and love. CASA of Central Oregon was founded with a simple yet profound mission: to ensure every child has a voice in court to speak for their best interests and a champion in their corner. Two decades later, that mission continues to transform lives across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties.
A Legacy of Listening and Leading
Since our founding in 2005, CASA volunteers have served over 2,900 children, offering consistent, compassionate advocacy during some of the most uncertain times in their lives. Our community has grown from a handful of dedicated volunteers to a robust network of trained advocates, donors, sponsors, and staff all united by the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Highlights from Our 20th Anniversary Celebration
On September 17, we gathered with longtime supporters, new friends, and community partners to honor the past and look boldly toward the future. The evening featured:
An update from our Executive Director, Heather Dion, who reflected on how far CASA has come, sharing the number of children served by volunteers over the years and the ways our programs have grown to meet the growing need in our community.
Our longest-serving board member, Kat Mastrangelo, shared how she’s watched and helped guide CASA’s growth since the early days.
We had the honor of hearing from Deschutes County Presiding Judge, Wells Ashby, who spoke about how important CASAs are in dependency court and how they are valued as an essential part of the system.
We celebrated two of our long-serving volunteers who are retiring. It was a moving reminder of the heart and dedication our volunteers bring to this work.
📸 Relive the Moments
The evening was beautifully captured by photographer Levi Lundy, who generously donated his time and talent. View photos from the celebration and see the joy, gratitude, and community spirit that filled the room.
Looking Ahead: Our Next Chapter
As we celebrate this milestone, we recommit to our mission with renewed energy. In the coming year, we’re focused on expanding volunteer recruitment and training, deepening our outreach to underserved communities, and raising awareness about the needs of children in foster care in our community.
We invite you to be part of this next chapter — whether by volunteering, donating, sponsoring an event, or simply sharing our story.
🙏 Thank You
To every volunteer, donor, board member, staff, and partner who has walked this journey with us: thank you. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do. Here’s to the next 20 years and to the children whose futures we’re building together.
September 9, 2025
Hear CASA of Central Oregon’s 20-year journey with Executive Director Heather Dion on KPOV’s The Point. Tune in to understand CASA’s mission, volunteer role, and how supporters can help sustain this vital work.
Listen to CASA Executive Director on 88.9 KPOV - The Point
Welcoming Our Newest Advocates: CASA Volunteer Swearing-In Ceremony
September 5, 2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate the swearing-in of our newest CASA volunteers! These compassionate community members have stepped forward to be a voice for children in foster care across Central Oregon. At this week’s ceremony, these advocates took an oath to serve with integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment.
Each volunteer has completed extensive training and is now officially empowered to speak up for a child’s best interests in court and beyond. Their dedication brings hope, stability, and connection to children navigating the complexities of the foster care system.
To our new CASAs: thank you for choosing to stand up, speak out, and make a difference. Your journey of advocacy begins now and we’re honored to walk alongside you.
While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that there are still several children in our region waiting for someone to advocate for them. The need for dedicated volunteers continues to grow, and we want to keep this momentum going! If you’re inspired by our new advocates and want to help us expand our reach, we invite you to join our mission. Our next training session begins on January 13, 2026. We encourage you to apply here.
Let’s work together to ensure that every child in foster care has the support they need. Join us in welcoming our new CASA advocates and supporting their vital work in our community!
Casablanca 2025: A Night of Purpose, A Future of Hope
May 31, 2025
Thanks to your incredible support, Casablanca 2025 was a stunning success! Together, we raised vital funds that will directly advance our mission of ensuring every child in foster care has the powerful voice of a Court Appointed Special Advocate during their time in foster care.
Because of you, we’ll be able to recruit, train, and support more volunteer advocates in the year ahead—bringing us even closer to a future where no child navigates the system alone. Your generosity supports stories like Kira’s, and so many others like his—stories of resilience, hope, and the power of one caring adult.
From all of us at CASA of Central Oregon: thank you for standing beside children and changing lives.
Central Oregon City Councils Issue Proclamations for Foster Care Month
May 7, 2025
In observance of National Foster Care Month, the Bend City Council has officially proclaimed May as National Foster Care Month, recognizing the incredible resilience of children in foster care and the invaluable contributions of foster families, advocates, social workers, and volunteers who tirelessly work to improve the lives of children in foster care. Redmond, Madras, and Prineville issued similar proclamations. Read the full proclamation here.
These proclamations affirms our regions commitment to supporting children and youth who experience foster care, ensuring they have access to the resources, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive. Across Central Oregon, countless individuals work tirelessly to create safe, nurturing environments for children, and this month serves as an opportunity to honor their dedication and inspire further action.
Throughout May, we encourage community members to learn more about the foster care system, engage with local organizations, and consider ways to make a difference—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or fostering. Together, we can empower children and families and build a future where every child has the support they deserve.
Join us in recognizing National Foster Care Month and celebrating the heroes who make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable youth.
For more information on how to get involved as a CASA volunteer, visit our volunteer page.
After Volunteering With CASA, I Know This Defunding Hurts Kids Most
By Ashley Kimler | Medium, May 5, 2025 Photo by Bianca Berndt on Unsplash
For a year and a half, I volunteered as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) through CASA of Central Oregon. During that time, I worked on two cases, advocating for four children in the foster care system. The specifics of the work is confidential. But, I can tell you that it was emotional, intense, and deeply meaningful.
I’m writing this now because, in 2025, CASA lost all of its federal funding. This is not just another line on the budget; it’s a direct hit to one of the few systems built specifically to protect and support children in the most vulnerable situations.
To be very clear, as part of their latest budget cuts, the Trump Administration has defunded critical services for U.S. children in the foster system. When systems fail, communities have to stand in the gap. This is that moment.
What is CASA?
If you’ve never heard of CASA before, here’s what you need to know: when a child enters foster care due to abuse or neglect, a CASA volunteer may be appointed by the court to advocate for that child’s best interests. Unlike Department of Human Services (DHS) workers, CASAs don’t have caseload quotas.
We’re not part of the state.
We don’t answer to attorneys or agencies.
Our only responsibility is to the child.
CASA refers both to the organization and the volunteers themselves, “court-appointed special advocates.” The organization trains, guides, and supports the volunteers while helping them stay organized, informed, and consistent in their advocacy.
To become a CASA in Central Oregon, volunteers undergo 8 weeks of intensive training. During this time, they learn about child welfare, trauma-informed care, court report writing, and courtroom testimony.
Many volunteers have little experience in the courtroom before they begin training. Some are inexperienced with domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health problems. They’re not perfect. The one thing they all have in common is their desire to support the children in need.
Those that make it to the end of advocate training are sworn-in by a local judge and given credentials to advocate for a child in need. Before taking a case, an advocate must be able to commit two years (this is the average amount of time a child will stay in the foster system before being reunified with their parent(s) or placed in another stable, permanent home).
The organization then assigns a case based on the volunteer’s strengths and preferences.
Once assigned, a CASA has legal authorization to communicate with parents, family members, healthcare providers, teachers, caseworkers, and attorneys. They are granted access to any documents that might be relevant to the case.
This can include:
School records
Medical histories
DHS case files
Court documents
Police reports
The idea is that the CASA develops a complete picture of the situation in order to best advocate on behalf of the child. Before court hearings, the CASA’s job is to provide a detailed court report and speak up on behalf of the child.
Oregon CASA Network Demonstrates Resilience Amid Additional Federal Funding Loss
April 28, 2025
The Oregon CASA Network (OCN), representing 19 robust and committed programs across the state, has received notice that the National CASA/GAL Association’s federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been immediately terminated. This decision includes the loss of funds that have supported training, assistance, and subawards to local CASA programs in Oregon and across the country.
CASA programs train and support volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are currently in the foster care system. CASA advocacy has been found to have significant and long-term positive impacts for children.
Effective April 22, 2025, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, has ordered that no further expenditures be made from the affected federal grant awards beyond closeout responsibilities. As a result, federally funded services previously coordinated at the national level were suspended. The National CASA/GAL Association is appealing the decision.
Despite this significant change, OCN remains strong, united, and unwavering in its mission to advocate for children in foster care. “With National CASA/GAL Association’s dramatic decrease in funding, it falls to local CASA programs to pick up the pieces and work that much harder on behalf of children in foster care who have experienced abuse and neglect,” said Kat Hendrix, Executive Director of OCN.
“Our local CASA programs serve children in every county in Oregon and are deeply rooted in their communities,” says Hendrix. “Our network has a long and proven track record of adapting in the face of challenges—and this moment is no different.”
CASA programs are actively working to continue uninterrupted advocacy for Oregon’s most vulnerable children. They are finding alternative funding sources, expanding partnerships at the local and state levels, and investing in the capacity and resilience of the statewide network.
This loss of federal funding for the National CASA/GAL Association follows the removal of $1.7 million in community project grants for Oregon CASA programs from the FY 2025 federal budget.
“While this loss of federal support presents challenges, OCN remains committed to ensuring that every child has a dedicated, compassionate advocate by their side in court and in life,” says Hendrix. “We invite community members, partners, and supporters to stand with us as we move forward together—stronger, more connected, and more determined than ever.”
One way for community members to get involved is to call on state legislators to support HB 5002 and HB 3196, both state funding requests that have become even more critical because of these sudden federal funding losses.
For local media inquiries, please contact:
Heather Dion, Executive Director l development@casaofcentraloregon.org l 541-389-1618
CASA of Central Oregon Welcomes Newly Sworn-In Court Appointed Special Advocates
April 2025
In a heartfelt ceremony held via Webex, 14 dedicated individuals took the oath of service as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These community volunteers join a nationwide movement committed to advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are in the foster care system.
Presided over by Judge Annette Hillman, the swearing-in ceremony highlighted the vital role CASAs play in helping children navigate the complexities of foster care and court systems. Each CASA receives rigorous training, equipping them to provide a consistent, compassionate presence in the lives of children who are experiencing uncertainty. CASAs work closely with children, families, and court officials, ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and their unique and individual needs are met.
While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that there are still 49 children in our region waiting for someone to advocate for them. The need for dedicated volunteers continues to grow, and we want to keep this momentum going! If you’re inspired by our new advocates and want to help us expand our reach, we invite you to join our mission. Our next training session begins this July. We encourage you to apply here.
$1.7 million in first-time federal funding cut from local nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates
By Isabella Warren | KTVZ 21, March 17, 2025
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Oregon says they're picking up the pieces after losing out on $1.7 million in first-time, previously approved federal funding cut in last week's appropriations bill.
"It's incredibly disappointing. And frankly, I don't know the full impact that it's going to have on all of the CASA programs across the state of Oregon," Executive Director Heather Dion said Monday. "But I'm very concerned about the impact that it's going to have on children in foster care and the children who we serve."
CASA of Central Oregon is a nonprofit that trains volunteers to advocate on behalf of children from birth to age 21 in the foster care system. The statewide Oregon CASA Network is also based in Bend.
In 2022, about 430 children in Central Oregon spent at least one day in foster care.
Back in 1977, a Seattle judge conceived the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The program was so successful that judges across the country began using citizen advocates.
Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA programs with its passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act in 1990. Today, there are nearly 1,000 local programs nationally that support the volunteers serving children, including Oregon’s 20 local programs.
The recent funding bill that passed the Senate Fiday cut $1.7 million directed to the Oregon CASA network, affecting recruitment and support of volunteers, who assist over 1,400 children across the state.
Dion says it would've been the organization's first check from the federal government.
"If we were to only rely on state funding, we could only serve about 18% of children" in foster care, she said. "We have to make up the difference in a variety of ways. So it's fundraising events, it's individual donations, it's grants. It's everything that you can think of. "
Representative Janelle Bynum, who opposed the funding bill due its cuts, expressed concerns that it undermines commitments to the community by removing $30 million in project funding across the state, including $10.7 million for five Central Oregon projects and organizations.
Senator Jeff Merkley also opposed the funding bill, voting no on Friday. "The Republican plan is about families lose and millionaires win," He told CNN.
Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield are also now suing the Trump administration over a freeze on federal payments, which has left state agencies unable to access reimbursements.
CASA says they're now looking for other funding sources at the state level.
"So by children not having CASA volunteers because of this cut in funding, that means that kids are going to struggle more, and they're going to have less of that opportunity for hope and optimism for the future. "
Inaugural Courtside for CASA Pickleball Classic raises over $16,000 to support children in foster care in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties!
February 24, 2025
We are thrilled to share the first annual Courtside for CASA Pickleball Classic was a success and we surpassed our goal and raised vital funds that will directly benefit children in foster care across Central Oregon!
The event exceeded all expectations, and we received fantastic feedback from attendees, many of whom shared that they thoroughly enjoyed their time and are already planning to return next year. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Premier Pickleball Club for their unwavering support and dedication.
A special thank you to all our sponsors! Their contributions have made a significant impact, and we look forward to a continued partnership in the future.
Welcoming New Voices: 22 CASA Volunteers Sworn In to Advocate for Children
November 1, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the swearing-in of 22 new CASA volunteers! These dedicated advocates were sworn in by Judge Flint and are already stepping up to take on numerous cases, ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children in our community.
This influx of new advocates reflects our commitment to addressing the increasing number of children entering foster care in Central Oregon. With each new volunteer, we are better positioned to ensure that every child has a voice and receives the advocacy they deserve. This growth is crucial as we strive to match the rising demand for CASA volunteers in the face of a challenging foster care landscape.
Each of our new CASA volunteers has completed a detailed training program, preparing them to:
Learn about the child/children on their assigned case and their family dynamics.
Engage with the child through regular visits to build trust and understanding.
Recommend the child’s best interests in court, influencing decisions regarding placements and needed services.
Collaborate with families, social workers, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support.
Report observations to the court, helping to shape positive outcomes for each child.
While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that there are still several children in our region waiting for someone to advocate for them. The need for dedicated volunteers continues to grow, and we want to keep this momentum going!
If you’re inspired by our new advocates and want to help us expand our reach, we invite you to join our mission. Our next training session begins on January 16, 2025. We encourage you to apply here.
Let’s work together to ensure that every child in foster care has the support they need. Join us in welcoming our new CASA advocates and supporting their vital work in our community!
OPB Highlights Importance of a CASA Volunteer with article titled "Advocacy and empathy: What it’s like to volunteer in foster care court"
By Lillian Karabaic l OPB September 12, 2024
“At Work With” an Oregon Court Appointed Special Advocate
When kids are taken from their parents by the state, they enter the complicated labyrinth of the family court system. Suddenly, a lot of adults are part of their lives, including social workers, lawyers and judges.
Most of these adults are professionals juggling large caseloads. But there are also Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs. These are trained volunteers who get to know the children and provide reports and testimony to the judge in their case.
For the latest episode of “At Work With,” we learn what it’s like to do that work from CASA for Children volunteer Dave Anderson.
Anderson is a retired journalist who started volunteering as a CASA eleven years ago. Anderson said CASAs are an important part of making sure that children don’t get lost in the overtaxed Oregon Department of Human Services system.
“I think it’s fair to say that the system is underfunded and understaffed and people do the best with what they are given. But that’s sort of where we come in,” said Dave Anderson.
Why do children need another advocate if they already have a lawyer?
“Lawyers advocate for what the child wants. We are supposed to advocate for what we think is in the best interest of the child. And sometimes those aren’t the same thing. And that can be a little bit tricky with a child, especially like a teenager who thinks they know everything,” said Anderson.
Read or listen to the rest of the article here.
Celebrating Our Newest Advocates in Central Oregon
June 24, 2024
We are excited to announce the swearing-in of six new CASA volunteers here at CASA of Central Oregon! These passionate individuals have completed their rigorous training and were sworn in by Judge Flint, marking a significant milestone in their journey to advocate for foster youth in our community.
Our CASA volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that every child in foster care has a dedicated advocate, someone who will stand up for their best interests both in court and in their everyday lives. With backgrounds as diverse as their dedication, these volunteers have undergone specialized trauma-informed training, equipping them to navigate the complexities of the foster care system with empathy and expertise.
Now that they are officially sworn in, our new advocates are ready to dive into their roles. They will work closely with children, families, social workers, and the court system to provide personalized advocacy. This includes conducting thorough investigations, attending court hearings to represent the child's perspective, and advocating tirelessly to ensure that each child's needs are met.
"I am incredibly proud of this training class for their dedication and hard work over the last eight weeks,” said Eric Noyes, the training and recruitment coordinator. “They have not only completed the training but have also actively engaged with the material and difficult discussion topics. Their commitment and passion are making a tangible difference in the lives of children in foster care in Central Oregon."
Last year alone, 458 children in Central Oregon spent time in foster care, and thanks to the dedication of volunteers like ours, many of these children were supported by a CASA advocate. However, there are still children waiting for someone to be their voice. Currently, 59 children in our region are eagerly waiting for a CASA volunteer to step forward.
If you have ever considered making a profound difference in a child's life by becoming a CASA volunteer, now is the time to act. We are currently accepting applications for our upcoming two fall training sessions, one starting on September 10th from 9am to 12:30pm, at The DCF Rosie Bareis Community Campus, and another training starting September 12th, from 1:30-5pm online via Zoom. The eight week trainings will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to become a powerful advocate for children in need.
Join us in congratulating our new CASA advocates and celebrating their commitment to improving the lives of foster youth in Central Oregon. Together, we can ensure that every child has the support they deserve. Visit our volunteer page to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and to Apply today.
Casablanca Raises Critical Funds to Support CASA Advocacy in Central Oregon
May 18, 2024
Casablanca 2024 was a huge success! The funds raised will make a significant impact in our mission to provide children in foster care with a volunteer advocate by supporting our recruitment and training of additional volunteers over the next year. Our goal is to ensure that every child in foster care has the benefit of a dedicated volunteer advocate. Thank you for helping Alysa and others like her.
Community Members Sworn-In as CASA Volunteers to Support Local Children in Foster Care
March 14, 2024
In Central Oregon, the support for children in foster care just got a boost with 16 new CASA volunteers stepping up to advocate for them.
Sworn in by Judge Hillman, these dedicated community members are now diving into their first cases, ready to make a difference.
At present, there are 59 children eagerly waiting for a CASA volunteer in Central Oregon. If you've ever considered becoming a volunteer advocate, now is the time. CASA of Central Oregon is actively seeking new volunteers, and applications are open. Training sessions kick off on April 30th at the Becky Johnson Community Center in Redmond, running on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8:30 pm. The classes will be conducted in person.
If you or someone you know has the heart to join this noble cause as a CASA volunteer, seize the opportunity and Apply today.
Central Oregon CASA, Former Foster Child Form Bond that Lasts into Retirement
By Eric Lindstrom | Central Oregon Daily News Jan 10, 2024 Updated Mar 14, 2024
It's an unlikely bond forged through the toughest of circumstances.
Lizzy Myers, 14, and Denise Wright, 69, met when Lizzy was just three months old and entering the foster care system. Denise was Lizzy's newly appointed Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
"A CASA's job is to get to know a child in foster care and advocate for that child wherever they need to advocacy. So in the courtroom or in the community," said Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA of Central Oregon.
For the next eight years Denise would be the one constant in Lizzy's life as she moved in and out of foster care.
"Being a CASA is such a privilege. It's second only to being a mom and a grandma because you get to really impact families," Denise said.
Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Fest to Benefit CASA
February 2024
Join us for the Suttle Lodge Winter Beer Festival benefitting CASA of Central Oregon! The event will be three whole days of Bavarian-inspired outdoor fun with 20+ craft breweries, food + snacks, live music and ALL the cozy winter fun. Taste new releases from from Oregon breweries, snuggle by the toasty fires, enjoy live music, take in the fresh forest air and eat all the warm pretzels! The festival will be held over Friday, Feb 23-Sunday, Feb 25 in the Rustic Village area of the Suttle Lodge & Boathouse. For tickets and more information visit https://thesuttlelodge.com/happenings/upcoming/wbf.
Community Members Sworn-In as CASA Volunteers to Advocate for Children in Foster Care in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties
November 7, 2023
Congratulations to our 17 new CASA volunteers! The Honorable Judge Bethany Flint swore in the new Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, via WebEx. These volunteers are already hard at work advocating for children.
Right now, there are 48 children waiting for a CASA volunteer in Central Oregon. CASA of Central Oregon is currently accepting applications to become a volunteer advocate. The next training sessions begin in January. Classes will be online and in-person. If you or someone you know is interested in joining these folks as CASA volunteers, please Apply now.
Casablanca Raises Critical Funds to Support CASA Advocacy in Central Oregon
May 20, 2023
Casablanca 2023 was a huge success! The funds raised will make a significant impact in our mission to provide children in foster care with a volunteer advocate by supporting our recruitment and training of additional volunteers over the next year. Our goal is to ensure that every child in foster care has the benefit of a dedicated volunteer advocate. Thank you for helping Evey and others like her.
Community Members Sworn-In as CASA Volunteers to Support Local Children in Foster Care
March 23, 2023
Local children in foster care now have 19 more CASA volunteers advocating for them. Deschutes County Judge Bethany Flint swore in the new Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, via WebEx.
Last year, 439 children spent time in foster care in Central Oregon. 364 of these children were served by a CASA volunteer. The goal of CASA of Central Oregon is to recruit, train and support enough volunteers so that every child in foster care has their own assigned CASA volunteer. We know that when families are under stress, more children are at risk of abuse and neglect. Right now, there are 39 children waiting for a CASA volunteer in Central Oregon.
CASA of Central Oregon is currently accepting applications to become a volunteer advocate. The next training is scheduled to begin Monday, May 1, 2023. It is being held at the High Desert ESD in Redmond. The training will consist of eight weekly sessions and conclude on June 19.
The CASA volunteer represents the child’s best interest in court and in the community during their time in foster care. All volunteers complete a thorough training process that includes 40 hours of trauma-informed training, a background check, and an interview with a Judge before being sworn-in as an officer of the court and assigned a child or sibling group currently in foster care in Crook, Deschutes, or Jefferson counties.
The deadline to apply for this session is April 20, 2023. Apply now.
14 CASA Volunteers Sworn-In by Judge Bethany Flint
November 1, 2021
Local children in foster care now have 14 more CASA volunteers advocating for them. On October 28th, fourteen new Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, were sworn in remotely by Judge Bethany Flint.
The CASA volunteers represent the child’s best interest in court and in the community during their time in foster care. All volunteers complete a thorough training process that includes 40 hours of trauma-informed training, a background check, and an interview with a Judge before being sworn-in as an officer of the court and assigned a child or sibling group currently in foster care in Crook, Deschutes, or Jefferson counties.
Last year, 407 children spent time in foster care in Central Oregon. More than 350 of these children were served by a CASA volunteer. The goal of CASA of Central Oregon is to recruit, train and support enough volunteers so that every child in foster care has a Personally assigned CASA volunteer. “We know that the pandemic caused more stress on families, which put more children at risk of abuse and neglect,” said Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA of Central Oregon. “When these children come into foster care, they need an advocate to speak for them. Right now, there are 73 children waiting for a CASA volunteer.”
CASA of Central Oregon trains and supports volunteers to serve children in foster care in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties. CASA volunteers are adults from many different backgrounds who are dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children. CASA of Central Oregon is currently accepting applications for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer advocate. The next training is scheduled online from 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, January 28, 2022. It will run weekly through March 8. Additional trainings are scheduled to begin in April and September. Contact training@casaofcentraloregon.org or 541-389-1618 for more information.
By Annette Benedetti I Bend Nest January 20, 2019
This year alone, approximately 500 abused and neglected children in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties spent time in foster care. Many of them have gone, or will go through, multiple foster placements before the courts determine their final destination. Without a loving parent or family member to speak up for their best interests, their lives are in the hands of individuals who may spend less than an hour or two speaking with them before determining their futures. Fortunately, there are advocates whose sole purpose is to give a voice to children in foster care. They are the court-appointed special advocates of Central Oregon.
In an over-burdened child welfare system, it's easy for a child's needs to be overlooked. CASA of Central Oregon is a nonprofit that supports children as they make their way through the foster care and family court system. The organization's vision is for all children to be safe, treated with dignity and respect and to learn and grow in the home of a loving family. CASA of Central Oregon's Development Director Heather McPherson says, "We work towards our vision by recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system."
Read the rest of the article at the Bend Nest website.