CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the court system to help secure a permanent, safe home. Once assigned to a case, volunteer advocates make phone calls and visits with the child, family members, therapists, caseworkers, lawyers, teachers and others involved in the child’s life. Advocates attend court hearings and meetings on behalf of the child and advocate for the child’s best interest. They also prepare written reports for the court which describe the information gathered and recommendations for securing a permanent, safe home for the child. Staff closely supervise each case and are available to assist and advise the advocates as needed.
Children's Advocacy Center provides a neutral, child-friendly agency that facilitates a multi-disciplinary team approach in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse to bring the offenders to justice and promote healing for the victims. Our multidisciplinary team includes prosecutors, investigators with CPS and law enforcement, medical professionals, counselors and other professionals. Services provided by the CAC include advocacy, forensic interviews, counseling, skills based groups, court accompaniment, case tracking, case review meetings, information and referrals.
Child abuse prevention classes are available for children, youth and adults. These classes use curriculum developed by trusted, professional sources.
The Rainbow Rooms are emergency resource rooms located at the Children's Center and CPS office. These rooms are stocked with local community donations of new clothing, shoes, diapers, coats, hygiene items and more.
The Christmas Drive utilizes community donations to provide Christmas presents to the children served by CASA and the Children's Advocacy Center.
The School Supply Drive utilities community donations to provide backpacks full of school supplies to children and youth in need in Fannin County. This effort usually takes place on the first Saturday in August and is open to any children in need in the county.