Rome has some quiet heroes working with children who are part of the foster care and court system in Floyd County. You may be like I was and unfamiliar with the impact of Floyd County CASA in our community. They are such a valuable resource, and I want to help them by highlighting what they do and why they play such an important role. I was able to sit down and talk with the Program Director Shemika Roberts and Advocacy Coordinator Karen Tovey about what they do at Floyd County CASA and the impact they have in our community.
What Is Floyd County CASA?
CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is part of the Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (Georgia CASA). It is an organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare of abused and neglected children within the foster care system. Floyd County CASA operates through a dedicated team of professional staff and trained volunteers who serve as the voices of these vulnerable children.
The Staff
Floyd County CASA currently employs two staff, Program Director Shemika Roberts and Advocacy Coordinator Karen Tovey. Together this team works with the families, volunteers, the judicial system, and the community. It didn’t take long into the interview to realize they are a unique and effective team that depends on each other’s strengths to work together. They are both dedicated to the cause and passionate about what they do. Shemika and Karen are constantly continuing their training to stay up to date on information and procedures.
The Volunteers
Floyd County CASA is made possible by the volunteers. Volunteers are there to give each child a voice and help tell a child’s story. When someone is interested in volunteering they complete an application process that can be found online. They must have references, a clean criminal background, and a desire to help children. Work and education background are not required. Once they submit the application the potential volunteer will interview with the Program Director Shemika Roberts and Advocacy Coordinator Karen Tovey.
These Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are individuals who undergo a rigorous 40-hour training program before being sworn in by a judge and assigned to specific cases. Their role is to gather information, investigate each child’s situation, and advocate for their best interests in court. By providing a consistent presence and ensuring the child’s needs are met, CASAs play a crucial role in helping these children find safe and permanent homes.
These volunteers are people in our community who want to make a difference in children’s lives. All they have to do is be willing to volunteer. Once they fill out an application, Floyd County CASA runs a background check and thoroughly trains the volunteers. Once they are extensively trained, they are ready to take a case. A CASA employee will supervise and support the volunteers and cases.
Cases are made up of one child or a family of children that are in the foster care system and have an open case with the Floyd County Government. While the ideal situation would be to serve every child or family in the foster care and court system, CASA currently lacks the resources to do so. However, they are actively working towards achieving that goal.
There is a great need for volunteers, especially males, that have flexible schedules. Volunteers are asked to commit for 18-24 months so they can see the case through. When a case is first assigned it requires more hours with the children as the volunteer gets to know the case, the history, and the children, but as the case progresses it usually requires less time per month.
The Children
These volunteers act as a voice for children in the courtroom, providing comprehensive reports based on their interactions and observations. This valuable information offers the judge a deeper understanding of the child’s situation, ensuring their needs and well-being are prioritized throughout the legal process.
In Floyd County, CASA’s services are readily available to children in foster care with open court cases. The judge, attorneys, foster parents, and even biological parents are all aware of the vital role CASA plays in giving children a voice and ensuring they are heard and understood in court.
CASA volunteers take the time to review each case thoroughly and build a strong relationship with the child. Knowing that court appearances can be overwhelming and even frightening, the CASA volunteer becomes a reassuring and supportive presence and a powerful advocate for the child or family.
Through their dedication and commitment, CASA volunteers make a significant difference in the lives of children facing challenging circumstances, giving them a voice and ensuring their needs are met throughout the legal process.
Obstacles Floyd County CASA Faces
Like any organization, Floyd County CASA encounters obstacles on its path to achieving its goals. However, their biggest challenge lies in raising awareness within the community about the crucial services they offer and the urgent need for dedicated volunteers.
Increased community awareness is the key to unlocking the resources Floyd County CASA needs to fulfill its mission. Currently, their reach only extends to 25% of cases involving children in need, but their vision is to serve every child, every case.
By spreading the word about CASA’s invaluable role in advocating for abused and neglected children, we can empower CASA to secure the support they need to make their vision a reality. This includes not only financial contributions but also the dedication of passionate volunteers who are willing to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.
Through combined efforts, we can ensure that no child in Floyd County faces the challenges of abuse and neglect alone. By supporting Floyd County CASA, we can amplify the voices of these children and help them navigate the complexities of the legal system, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future.
Funding For Floyd County CASA
Although CASA is primarily funded by Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. it also needs the financial support of the community. By being part of the Harbor House non-profit organization, they see funding from them. Shemika and Karen are working together creatively on some ideas for raising funds in the future and I’m looking forward to hearing them.
Floyd County CASA’s Significant Impact On The Community
By advocating for abused and neglected children, they help to break the cycle of abuse and neglect, ensuring a brighter future for these young lives. They also provide much-needed support and guidance to the children, helping them navigate the often complex foster care system.
Karen advises anyone who is thinking about making a difference in the community to do it immediately. Don’t wait; do it now! Get involved sooner rather than later. Shemika’s advice is to dream big, set big goals, and don’t be afraid to share your big ideas.
One thing that keeps them motivated and encouraged is the support that they get from Georgia CASA and other directors and staff at other CASAs in the area. Another thing is that they see something positive for the child coming out of a difficult situation every time they work on a case. They know that the kid’s voices were heard by the judge and it’s not just the parents and the foster parents that are being heard. They also like to see the success of the parents as well. Their main focus is on the children but it is always great to see the the success of the parents.
In essence, CASA is a beacon of hope for children in Floyd County who have experienced unimaginable hardship. Through dedicated volunteers and a commitment to advocacy, CASA is making a positive difference in the lives of these children, helping them to heal and thrive.
How Can You Help
Volunteer: start the process by filling out this application to volunteer https://www.casafloydcounty.org/volunteerapplication
Donate: by visiting https://www.casafloydcounty.org/donate
Spread The Word by telling people about Floyd County CASA and be sure to follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FloydCASA
For more volunteer opportunities check out these Non-Profits In Rome, Georgia: Click Here
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