“I should have done this years ago!” that’s the main piece of advice Globe CASA volunteer Monika shared with future volunteers interested in the program, who attended a community outreach dinner here in Globe last week. “I thought about it for years; now that I’m working with a child – I realize that I should have just jumped right in years ago!”

Sept. 26-28 brings the next opportunity for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to be trained here in Gila County; after training, the volunteer is matched with a child living in out-of-home care, helping kids as they have to navigate the court system in Gila County. Currently, there are over 90 children throughout the county in need of a consistent adult in their corner. CASA coordinators treasure their volunteers and have tailored this training to be an efficient ‘pre-service academy’ in Payson, starting with an introductory three-hours Thursday after work from 4:00-7:00 p.m., a full-day Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and half-day Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required prior to training; the deadline is Sept. 1 to apply online at
     azcourts.gov/casaofgilacounty/Apply-Now 

For the convenience of Globe-Miami residents and others facing a long drive to Payson to attend, the CASA of Gila County program will provide two nights’ lodging Sept. 26-28 while you attend. If you’d like to become a CASA but cannot attend the September date, please apply -- and the coordinators will provide you with future dates and locations as Fall and Winter training sessions are scheduled.

What does a CASA volunteer do?

Once trained, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who are in foster care; accompanying the child to offer support during court appearances - spending time with them outside of court, too; getting to know the child’s living arrangements and writing status reports to advise the presiding judge. Read more at azcourts.gov/casaofgilacounty

Do I need special skills, education or a degree?

No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer, a caring and generous group that represents a wide range of cultures and professions, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, CASA volunteers receive all necessary training. CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years old and willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview. Being enrolled also means making time to attend court appearances (with advance notice), and willingness to commit to the CASA program until your first case is resolved by the court, and the child you represent in a safe and permanent placement. Questions? Email CASA of Gila County Coordinator Patti Dremler pdremler@courts.az.gov,  or call 928-474-7145. For those in the southern area of Gila County, contact Emily Leverance at eleverance@courts.az.gov or 928-402-4427.