CASA For Kids, Inc. Barry & Eaton Counties

The mission of CASA for Kids, Inc. Barry & Eaton Counties is to provide volunteer advocates to work independently for the best interests of each child of service coming within jurisdiction of the Barry and Eaton County Courts.

The purpose of CASA for Kids, Inc. Barry & Eaton Counties is to provide a strong personal advocacy for abused and neglected children within Barry and Eaton Counties, as well as furnishing thorough in-depth, objective information to the court and system professionals.

CASA works closely with the Court and the Department of Human Services to provide volunteer advocacy services to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect and monitor the progress of parents as they work with services to address issues that endanger their children. Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA volunteers) are sworn officers of the Court appointed by the judge to advocate for an assigned child or sibling group to ensure that they receive appropriate services and a safe and caring permanent home – a basic human right of every child. CASA volunteers are uniquely assigned to only one case at a time and they remain committed for the duration of the case until the child/ren achieve permanency. CASA volunteers visit the child/ren regularly, develop a supportive relationship with the child/ren, attend case related meetings, consult with individuals involved in the case and have access to relevant case information. They submit a Court Report to the judge for each hearing containing their observations and recommendations and provide court testimony on behalf of the child/ren. CASA volunteers are not bound by law or policy, and can make best interest recommendations without constraints to assist the judge in enacting decisions in the best interest of children. They are known as the eyes and ears of the court and a voice for the child.