Dr. Phil Foundation - CASA SUCCESS STORIES

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CASA Volunteers on the Rise

In 2009, 71,000 volunteers served an estimated 238,000 children in all local CASA programs. Last year, more than 23,000 new volunteers, which is an 18 percent increase over 2008, completed CASA training.

“Robin and I appreciate the passion and commitment these new volunteers have for children, however there is more to do,” shared Dr. Phil. “Until every child who needs an advocate has one, Robin’s and my commitment to this cause will not cease.”

Meet three women who answered the call to get involved!

In the Dr. Phil episode "Caught in the System," Dr. Phil explains the role of a volunteer. “When you become a CASA volunteer, you are sworn in, and you become an officer of the court, after you go through this training. At that point, you have the power to observe this situation, report to the court, make recommendations, ask for changes. All of a sudden a caseworker who’s sitting there with 50 files on their desk, if there’s a volunteer for each of those files, then all of a sudden, those children have an advocate.”

Robin attends a CASA Volunteer Graduation

CASA members are blogging within the Dr. Phil community. Read how CASA volunteers are changing the lives of children. To learn, firsthand, how CASA is making a difference, click here. For more information, please visit the CASA website or call 800-628-3233.

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Kim's CASA Experience
Kim is an advocate for a 16-year-old African-American boy living in Monroe, LA, about 300 miles outside of New Orleans. Although there have been many ups and downs since he started high school, Kim says he seems to be working hard in order to graduate on time.

"My biggest obstacle, of course, is being 300 miles away from my child. There are confidential situations that cannot be discussed over the phone, which means I must be present at the school in order to discuss any problems," Kim shares. "I do try to visit my child once a month but sometimes it is very difficult. This child’s education is the only thing he has going for him, which is why his education is my first priority ... Although there are many frustrations being a CASA advocate, I hope that one day the persistence of hard work prevails."

Liliane's CASA Experience
Liliane has been a CASA volunteer in New Orleans since 2006. "It is my 'job' to consider what is in the best interests of kids assigned to me and to make those recommendations to a judge. This is the fifth case and the ninth child I’ve represented," she says.

In January, 2010, Liliane began working with a child in a small town in the bayou, about 50 miles away. The teen girl has been in state custody since December of 2008, due to sexual abuse, and she currently resides in a group home. "Adjusting to new surroundings and situations would be difficult for anyone, but victims of sexual abuse are especially challenged. Serious trust issues and attention-seeking behaviors frequently underlie conflicts at school and at home," Liliane explains. "Despite these obstacles, my CASA teen has progressed both academically and personally. This is my first teen client, and I’ve enjoyed being able to really interact with her. Her ability and willingness to phone me with concerns has helped bridge the distance between us and made my job easier."