About Volunteering
What is CASA?
Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children involved in the court system. They work along side attorneys and social workers, as appointed Officers of the Court.
Who are CASA Volunteers?
Ordinary people who care about kids. CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people. Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a time.
What does a CASA do?
They conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, interviewing everyone involved...including the child. They provide the judge with information that will help them make informed decisions about the case. CASA can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the Court has ordered, such as substance abuse counseling or special education testing. During the life of a case, a CASA monitors the child's situation to make sure they remain safe.
CASAs are a powerful voice in a childs life!
In 2007 128 children who were victims of abuse and neglect in Payne County had a voice in court thanks to their CASA volunteer.
Volunteer Forms
Volunteer_Job_Description
STEPS - How to Apply
Volunteer Application
Application Volunteer Release of Information
Courtroom Observation Procedures
Featured CASA Heroes
Helen Barker and Tina Schmidt -First Quarter August 2006
Jason Pogue Second Quarter 2006
Charlita Tefft First Quarter 2007
Sarah Wheatley Third Quarter 2007
Kristal Kuehl Fourth Quarter 2007
JT Moore Second Quarter 2008
Steve Bunch Third Quarter 2008
Patti Ahrberg Fourth Quarter 2007-2008
Barbara Sheller First Quarter 2008-2009
Special Recognition
Gary Schnacke and JT Moore - August 2006
John Howell Oklahoma CASA Association 2007 Board Member of the Year Award
Mike & Karen Campbell the Lela Roddy Special Recognition Award
Sue Horrocks 2007 Board Member of the Year
Michael Kulling 2007 CASA Attorney of the Year
