HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We welcome people from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case.
Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes.
What does it take to become a CASA volunteer?
Step 1: Each candidate must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and participate in a 40-hour training course.
Step 2: After completing the training, the volunteer is assigned his first case. A volunteer’s average time commitment to a case is approximately 4-8 hours per month.
Step 3: Maintain monthly visit with your child(ren) and give written reports prior to court hearings.
Volunteer advocates have support and supervision every step of the way and always have resources available.
Serviceheart-CASA of Otero/Lincoln County
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The Otero and Lincoln County CASA Program
Mission Statement
The mission of Serviceheart, inc. Non-profit, CASA Program of Otero and Lincoln County is to provide specially selected and trained community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the pursuit of safe and permanent homes. The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who advocate for this vulnerable population. CASA’s goal is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, in our commitment in advocating for the children in foster care. CASA works within the 12th Judicial Court. Serviceheart continues to be committed to foster children of all ages by offering and supporting career options for foster youth ages 18-21 aging out of the system to be on their own as adults.
The Serviceheart CASA program started in Spring of 2012, volunteer advocating for children in foster care. In our history, Serviceheart CASA has formed collaborative relationships throughout the community to serve the best interest of children in need. Since 2012 CASA volunteers and staff have stood up and provided a powerful voice for over 350 children in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. CASA is serving each Otero and Lincoln County child who is in foster care today. Children are assigned to trained volunteer advocates who come from various backgrounds. The Children’s Court Judge listens to and carefully considers CASA driven recommendations and observations at each hearing called for every child in the foster care system in Otero and Lincoln County.
