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Who We Are

Frequent Program Questions

  1. What is a CASA volunteer?

    A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained citizen who is appointed by the Judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.

  2. What is the background of CASA of Cannon County?

    CASA of Cannon County is a nonprofit program that has been in full operation since 2020. CASA of Cannon County is funded by local grants and community donations. It is run by an executive director and a board of directors held by community leaders and volunteers.

  3. How many CASA programs are there?

    There are nearly 1,000 CASA programs in 49 states across the country including Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. CASA of Cannon County is part of the Tennessee CASA and National CASA network. CASA of Cannon County holds memberships in both networks.

  4. How effective have CASA programs been?

    Research suggests that children who have a CASA have a better chance of finding permanent homes than non-CASA children, and that they and their families receive more services than children who have no CASA volunteer.

  5. How is CASA funded?

    At the local level, CASA programs is funded through a combination of private and public funds. The National CASA Association is funded through a combination of private grants, federal funds (U.S. Justice Department), memberships and contributions.

  6. What are the requirements for a CASA volunteer?

    Each CASA must demonstrate the desire, willingness and ability to help a child. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, make a commitment to the life of the case, complete a 30 hour CASA training course and court observation hours, successfully pass a CASA background screening, receive supervision, work effectively alongside other “system” professionals, and report to the court.

  7. What is a CASA volunteer's role?

    CASA advocates provide the judge with carefully researched information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. They provide written reports to the court and follow through until that child reaches a safe, permanent home.

  8. What are the programs goals for the future?

    CASA of Cannon County wants to grow in the number of children they advocate for in our community. And in doing so, we need more volunteers trained. One day, CASA of Cannon County hopes that every child in state custody in Cannon County have a CASA advocating for them.

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