ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN
Voices for Children, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Hancock County (formerly known as CASA/GAL) is a non-profit organization that trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children involved in the juvenile court system primarily as a result of abuse, neglect and dependency.
OUR KIDS
Each year in Hancock County, approximately 50 children enter the bewildering world of foster care and the juvenile court system, not because of something they did, but because their primary caregivers were unable or unwilling to properly care for them. Many children in our community are the victims of physical assault, sexual abuse, or neglect by the very people who should be their strongest advocates; their parents.
Volunteer Advocates assigned by Voices for Children ensure that each child has a voice in the court and that all aspects of the child’s case have been thoroughly researched and explored. The primary goal of our Advocates is to see that permanency is achieved for each child as quickly as possible.
THE CASA DIFFERENCE
Fortunatley, CASA Volunteers are appointed by the Juvenile Court to serve as advocates and mentors for abused and neglected children going through dependency court proceedings. Unlike social workers, therapists, and attorneys who juggle large caseloads and rarely have time to focus on a single child, CASA Volunteers often become the most important person in that child's life.
CASA Volunteers can be the difference between success and failure in a child's life. By simply listening, encouraging, guiding and speaking up for a child, CASA Volunteers help these vulnerable children and teens to reach their full potential. Sometimes it is just allowing a child to feel cared about for the first time, and sometimes it is helping to find a loving, permanent home for a child. Clearly, the combination of consistent mentoring and advocacy for a child's needs result in a much greater chance that these kids will achieve a bright, successful future.
THE CHALLENGE
Voices for Children always needs more ordinary people willing to make an extraordinary difference in the life of an abused and neglected child. By dedicating about 10 to 15 hours a month, you can help with one child at a time.
VOICES FOR CHILDREN SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS
Voices for Children has been strongly supported and endorsed by our local United Way organization, as well as, many local corporations. Following are a few of our current supporters and partners: