|
News
Volunteer Profile
Monthly Series of 20th Anniversary Celebration Articles
Georgia CASA 2008 State Conference Handouts
Georgia CASA 2008 State Conference Photos
CASA at the Capitol Day 2008 Photos
Videos
CASA on The CW's Focus Atlanta -Windows Media; August 2008
Everyday Heroes - CASA informational video- Windows Media
Georgia
Week In Review News Story- dial-up
users, Windows Media; July 2003
Georgia
Week In Review News Story-broadband
users, Windows Media; July 2003
Press Releases
2007 Volunteer of the Year - released 4/29/2008
South Central CASA Award of Excellence - released 4/29/2008
Ocmulgee CASA Award of Excellence - released 4/29/2008
CASA of Paulding County CASA Award of Excellence - released 4/29/2008
Luncheon & Fashion Show - released 3/10/2008
Preview Party - released 2/26/2008
CASA and Foster Youth Day at the Capitol - released 2/5/2008
CASA Bill Signing Ceremony - released 7/5/2007
Success Stories
Four Siblings Receive Needed Medical Services and Find Permanent Home with Relative
Connie* was assigned as a CASA volunteer to a case involving four children, ages five and under. The children had witnessed domestic violence and been neglected. While their mother was pregnant with each of them, she used meth and continued to be a drug user. In addition, sometimes the mother had a convicted child molester living in her home.
The children were removed from their home and placed with a relative. Connie advocated strongly for medical exams for each of the children. The five-year old had such badly infected teeth that his whole body became infected. He received dental surgery to correct the problem. The other children were also treated for various medical problems, thanks to Connie’s persistence. Connie also helped to get donated coats for the children and ensured the relative received support services and was properly caring for the children’s medical needs. Today, the siblings are happy and well in their permanent home.
CASA Finds Family to Adopt Rhett*
Rhett’s* mother was deceased and his father had been diagnosed with mental disorders so he was unable to properly care for him. In addition, no family members were suitable to take care of Rhett. As a result, he was placed in foster care at three years of age. Christine* was assigned as his CASA volunteer. After tedious research, she found a non-relative family who was willing to adopt Rhett. She instructed the family on the process of adoption so they could be ready to adopt when the parental rights were terminated in court. As a result of Christine’s diligence, Rhett is with his adoptive family today and is thriving.
Judge Makes Decision about Child’s Future Based on CASA’s Thorough Report
Michael* was in foster care due to neglect by his parents. LaTonya* was assigned as a CASA volunteer for Michael. During a court hearing, the judge was trying to determine if Michael’s parents had turned their lives around so he could go back to them. The attorneys on the case had not provided sufficient information for the judge to make a decision. CASA volunteer LaTonya then provided the judge with research and documents about the behavior of the parents for not only the past six months, but for the past six years. LaTonya’s report showed that Michael’s parents had failed to provide safe housing or solid employment, had a history of drug use and DUIs, and had not finished counseling, parenting classes, paid child support or taken the necessary steps to bring Michael back into their home.
Due to the thoroughness of LaTonya’s report, the judge ruled for Michael to be permanently placed with his paternal grandparents, who provided him with a safe and loving home.
CASA Encourages Baby’s Mother to Turn Her Life Around
One-year old Julie* was removed from her home due to her mother’s substance abuse problem. CASA volunteer Brittney* was assigned to Julie. Very quickly, Brittney realized that Julie’s mother wanted to turn her life around so she could resume care of her daughter. In advocating for Julie’s best interests, Brittney worked with the mother on helping to get her home repaired so it would be a suitable residence. She was able to get basic home repair materials donated and then found construction workers who donated their time to make the home safe. Brittney also encouraged Julie’s mother to find a better job with growth potential, a higher salary and benefits. Due to the remarkable progress made by Julie’s mother, custody of Julie was given back to her mother. Today, Julie and her mother are both doing well.
*Names have been changed to protect anonymity |
