CASA of the Flint Hills Director Dena Russell says their current volunteers have had several hurdles placed in their way due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they continue to adapt.
During KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment Tuesday, Russell explained that the pandemic, and many restrictions which followed, complicated the typical process for volunteers. This includes not being able to meet in person with children and families as is the norm.
According to Russell one of the major responsibilities for all CASA’s is establishing a strong relationship with the children and families they serve.
Russel says this has helped the process, however, there are still some difficulties volunteers must overcome including having limited options and time for volunteers and children to spend together.
Russell says in the past few months the number of new children entering the CASA program has decreased. Russell feels this is due to children being home more regularly meaning the individuals who would normally report a concern in the home have “less eyes” on children at the moment.
While numbers are on a decline at the moment, the need for volunteers is not. Russell says the program currently has more children than available volunteers.
Russell explains each CASA volunteer can only serve one case at a time. CASA’s goal is to provide service to 100 percent of the children in their care and in order to do that they need twice the volunteers they currently have.
Russell says there will be a class this fall for anyone wishing to become a CASA. The class size will be limited to 15.
If you would like to take part in the class or would like more information on CASA contact them at 343-2744 or visit SOSKansas.com/CASA.
