PHOENIX — April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year, many cases of child maltreatment are reported, often leading families into dependency court and the child welfare system. This path can sometimes result in children entering foster care. The instability associated with the temporary nature of foster care can have enduring effects, as children leave familiar settings of school and friends for unfamiliar ones.
CASA of Arizona wants to raise awareness about the issues of child abuse and neglect while highlighting the crucial role of the volunteers who advocate for youth within the child welfare system. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is one way to fill that role.
And April 5-11, 2025, has been named CASA Volunteer Week by the Governor of the State of Arizona. See the official Proclamation here: CASA Volunteer Week.
A CASA can provide a supportive relationship that can have a significant impact on a child. These volunteers help connect children with healing resources to mitigate further harm. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school, more likely to find a safe, permanent home, and half as likely to re-enter foster care.
Child abuse prevention begins with awareness and support for families in times of hardships. Effective prevention includes ensuring that resources are available and accessible to children and their families. CASA volunteers strive to identify resources for children and their families, ultimately helping to strengthen them.
No prior experience is necessary. Anyone aged 21 or older who can pass a thorough background check and complete the required training is encouraged to apply or reach out to their local county programs for more information.
Another volunteer opportunity is through the Foster Care Review Board (FCRB), which has similar requirements. Volunteers are appointed by the Court to serve on a 5-member panel that meets online once a month to review the cases of children in foster care.
A different way to help a child in foster care is to open your home and become a foster parent. It is a remarkable opportunity to provide care and support to a child in need of a stable home environment.
To learn more about these opportunities click on the links below:
- To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer visit, www.AZCASAVolunteer.org
- To learn more about becoming a FCRB volunteer visit, www.azfcrb.org
- To learn more about becoming a Foster Parent visit, dcs.az.gov/foster/learnmore
- Arizona Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445)
