CASA of Sebastian County

What CASA does for our Community

CASA of Sebastian County is a non-profit organization which advocates for abused and neglected children within the court system. Based on the belief that children are entitled to a safe and permanent home, CASA works in the court system through trained volunteers, in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel, and community resources to serve as the child’s advocate to represent the best interest of the child in juvenile family court.

What Grace Community Church does for CASA

We have several trained volunteers in our church body that support these children
Grace supports local fundraisers such the annual Darknight at the Fort Smith Little Theater
Provides a mental health support group by our Mental Health Ministries Team
Financial support from our congregation

What does volunteering look like?

Volunteer Opportunities

Attend 30+ hours of training plus 12 hours continuing education each year
Appointed by the judge
Become very involved with the people and supporting agencies in the child’s life
Report observations and learnings to the judge during court through written reports and potentially by testifying during court hearings
Speak up for the child to get needs met
Visit the child, love the child, and encourage the child
CASA needs more trained volunteers.

There are only 32 current CASA volunteers. There are approximately 350 children in foster care in Sebastian County. At best, CASA can only advocate for 18% of those children.