CASA of Gila County welcomed Peggy and Cathie as new Court Appointed Special Advocates on Dec. 22, 2022. They completed their oath of office before the Hon. Judge Timothy M. Wright in Payson, Arizona. This oath certifies completion of 30 hours of pre-service training, which they completed virtually from the comfort of their homes. They will serve as advocates for children from Gila County communities who are residing in foster care due to abuse and/or neglect, at absolutely no fault of their own.

How can you make a difference? Become a CASA volunteer, today! Court Appointed Special Advocates are everyday community members who donate their time to be the voice for a child. CASA volunteers are appointed to only one or two cases at a time, which allows for them to really get to know their CASA child and their needs. CASA volunteers visit with the children regularly and are the one constant adult involved in their case. They follow the progress of the  child’s court case, speak with important people in the child’s life and report their observations back to the court to assist the judge in making informed decisions on behalf of the child.

Every child living in foster care settings deserves to have a CASA volunteer in their corner, but we need your help! We need several additional adults to volunteer to meet the number of children in care from our community. In the southern area of Gila County, we have five active volunteers and over 80 children who would benefit from a CASA volunteer but do not have one appointed to them.

No specific background or training is needed to become a CASA volunteer. Anyone 21 years of age or older, who can pass a thorough background check and complete 30 hours of free training, is encouraged to apply.

Have questions about becoming a CASA volunteer? Contact Emily Nader at 928-402-4427 or enader@courts.az.gov. Ready to volunteer? Apply online at www.CASAofGilCounty.org.