Who are Our CASAs?

At least 21 years of age

No degree/educational requirements, any/all career paths

FT employed, PT employed, self-employed, retired, students

LGBTQI/cisgender adults

All Socioeconomic statuses

All cultural, linguistic backgrounds, or citizenship status

From any state or country and reside in Jackson County

All value systems, religious/spiritual backgrounds

Individuals with no children, with young children, or adult children out of the home

Married couples and/or pairs of friends who can co-CASA

Current foster parents or adoptive parents (cannot CASA a child in your home or care)

Individuals who volunteer with other organizations

Individuals who can communicate respectfully and professionally

Above all – nice people who are ethical and trustworthy; can be collaborative and accept feedback on their performance in their role;

can recognize and work on their biases and strive to maintain objectivity;

and can work from a strength-based approach instead of a negative perspective

We are always looking for more CASAs!

MISSION

The mission of CASA of Jackson and Josephine Counties is to provide specially trained community volunteers
to advocate for abused and neglected children in the pursuit of safe and permanent homes.

VISION

We envision all children thriving in safe, loving, and permanent homes.

VALUES

We practice integrity and ethics in every facet of our work and our lives

We will always show compassion for our children, their families and our advocates

We will both pursue and share knowledge with each other, our advocates and our community

We believe that everyone is to be treated with respect

We observe open, consistent and respectful communication at all times

DIVERISTY

In order for CASA to accomplish its mission, it must be cognizant of and sensitive to the children’s frame of reference, including his/her heritage, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, and family structure. Volunteers must also be able to communicate sensitively with the child and his/her family and in turn communicate the child’s needs to the court.

Because we live in a multicultural society, an inclusive CASA network must also be multicultural. CASA must strive to achieve a volunteer base that reflects children in the judicial and child welfare systems as well as its community. Volunteer service must be made more accessible to all individuals regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, socio-economic situation, or disability. Cultural awareness and competency must be an integral component of all training for board, staff and volunteers.

As a diverse organization CASA can better represent and advocate for the children we serve and have a far greater impact on the juvenile and child welfare systems. Therefore, it is the objective of CASA to achieve diversity of the CASA network in its policies, board and staff composition, committee activities, management plan, publications, resource materials, speakers bureau, and in its training and technical assistance activities.