‘It’s been very fulfilling’: Judge swears in CASA volunteers to help foster children, but more are needed

(Update: Adding video, comments from CASA official, volunteers)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A group supporting Central Oregon children in foster care is in need of dozens more volunteers. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, and right now about 40 local children are waiting for one.

CASA of Central Oregon is a nonprofit helping children in the foster care system.

Volunteer Sandy Coats told me about her experience the past few years.

"I've been very fortunate to be on cases where the resolutions were clearly in the child's best interest," Coats said Wednesday. "It's just been really fulfilling to have that happen multiple times."

Nineteen new court-appointed special advocates were sworn in recently by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Bethany Flint. 

CASA Executive Director Heather Dion said, "These children have experienced profound abuse and neglect, and they really could use a caring adult to be on their side."

Every CASA volunteer is assigned to a child or sibling group in foster care. 

"We'll work with our children who are still waiting for a CASA volunteer and do a bit of matchmaking, to find the right CASA for the right group of children," Dion said.

Dion said they are looking to bring aboard 50 more people to be trusted supporters who have the children's best interests at heart. Currently, there are about 160 volunteers serving children in Central Oregon, and the average case length is two years.

CASA of Central Oregon recently launched an outreach and engagement campaign in the tri-county area to address the great and growing need for new CASA advocates.

At present 284 children are in foster care in Central Oregon. CASA aims to provide an advocate for every child in foster care throughout the region, but about 40 children have been on a waiting list and attempting to navigate the foster care system without an advocate. 

The newly sworn in CASAs will help to ensure that every child will have a trusted adult on their side to listen to the child, get to know everyone in the child’s life and then advocate for the best interest of that child in court. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. 

CASA volunteer Virginia Bethe said, "The eight-week training course was robust and thorough and opened by eyes to an urgent area of need in our community. To those who are considering volunteering, I give the advice, 'Do it! Come join us in doing what no one else does for children in foster care.'"

Each newly sworn in volunteer participated in a 40-hour training to prepare for the role.  Volunteers will now spend about 10 to 15 hours a month advocating for children until their case closes, with constant support from the team at CASA of Central Oregon.

As well as being over 21 years old, the CASA requirements include passing a background check and having a driver's license.

Research shows that children with a CASA fare better during their time in foster care. Youth are also more likely to succeed in school, and have access to mental and physical health services when they have a CASA volunteer. 

“We are so grateful for our volunteers' commitment to this important work for children,” said Dion. “Being a voice for Central Oregon's most vulnerable children is a selfless act, but one that ordinary people undertake every day to support our youth.”

Coats added, "Every, you know, minute of blood, sweat and tears goes right into our local community. It's just really -- it makes you feel useful and helpful, and that you're making an impact right at home." 

With more volunteers needed to support youth in the overburdened foster care system, Tte next training for CASA volunteers begins May 1 in Redmond. Those interested in becoming a CASA are encouraged to fill out a volunteer application and register for the upcoming training by Monday, April 24. 

Visit www.casaofcentraloregon.org/volunteer or email training@casaofcentraloregon.org to learn more. 

About CASA of Central Oregon
CASA of Central Oregon is an Oregon 501(c)(3) governed by a local board of directors. The organization is a regional branch of the national CASA nonprofit created to promote the needs of children who have been removed from their parents' care due to neglect or abuse. CASA serves children from birth to twenty-one in the foster care system. In 2022, about 430 children in Central Oregon spent at least one day last year in foster care. May has been proclaimed National Foster Care month and is an important time to remember the great and growing need of youth in foster care in our region.