CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is seeking new volunteers due to steadily rising caseload. The volunteers work closely with community groups and families to gather records, get testimonials from doctors and educators and give their recommendations to the courts for cases involving children.
Program Manager Candace Lingo said numbers of cases that have landed on her desk have been steadily rising since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of cases stemming from increasing rates of substance abuse.
“At some point if your parents are hardcore active users, you’re going to be exposed to that somehow. That increases the likelihood the child is going to use drugs or at least test positive when they come into care, that’s where we come in,” she stated.
Lingo said CASA volunteers have a positive impact on the court system and the families they serve. Outcomes of cases involving CASA are generally resolved faster, and CASA is able to step into certain territories that, due to some policies, the Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR) is not. Lingo said while CASA is a separate entity from DHR, but they do work in tandem to ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
Noting the stigma that DHR and other child protective services may carry, especially to a family navigating the system, Lingo was quick to say, “The first thing I tell parents and families is that ‘I don’t work for DHR. I don’t get paid for being here,’ and that makes them more comfortable in opening up to us. Generally, for the parents that are trying and genuinely want a good outcome with the case, we have a good rapport with those parents.”
Lingo said the commitment for an advocate is typically 15 hours a month, and self-led. Anyone 21 and older who can pass a DHR and criminal background check is welcome to apply. The next training will be held in June.
Email cullmancountycasa@msn.com for more information.
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