Statements
Mission
Sumner County CASA's mission is to recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers that act as advocates for the best interests of children involved in juvenile court proceedings; primarily as the result of abuse and/or neglect. These volunteers establish a relationship with the child, and act as the 'eyes and ears' of the judge to provide information needed so that informed decisions can be made in their cases. A CASA volunteer is often the only stable adult presence in a child's life and they continue to advocate for that child until a safe permanent home is found.
Background
Sumner County CASA was founded in 1991 and has been serving abused and/or neglected children in Sumner County since 1992. To date, Sumner County CASA has served over 3,000 abused and/or neglected children. CASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, United Way organization, created to recruit and train diverse volunteers to advocate for abused and/or neglected children involved in the juvenile court process through no fault of their own. The vision of CASA is to shorten the length of time every abused and/or neglected child spends in the juvenile court system and to ensure each child is provided a safe, stable and permanent home. Sumner County CASA also provides home-studies services for the juvenile court in custody cases free of charge to the family.
Impact
Sumner County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) works to provide advocacy and support for children involved in the child welfare system. Our CASA volunteers work to ensure that the best interests of the child are represented in court proceedings and that they receive appropriate care and services.
The positive impacts of Sumner County CASA includes:
Improved outcomes for children: CASA volunteers can provide a consistent presence in a child's life, advocating for their best interests and ensuring that their needs are met. This involvement may lead to improved outcomes in terms of safety, well-being, and permanency for the children involved.
Strengthened child welfare system: CASA programs can help identify systemic issues and gaps in the child welfare system. By working closely with social workers, attorneys, and other professionals, CASA volunteers can contribute to improving the overall quality of services provided to children and families.
Increased community awareness: CASA programs often raise awareness about the needs of vulnerable children in the community. This can lead to increased public support, volunteer recruitment, and potential policy changes that prioritize the well-being of children in the child welfare system.
Enhanced collaboration: CASA volunteers collaborate with various stakeholders involved in a child's case, including judges, social workers, and healthcare providers. Their input can contribute to more informed decision-making and a more comprehensive understanding of the child's situation.
Needs
Sumner County CASA fulfills its mission with the help of dedicated volunteers. In 20213, over3'000 children came before the Sumner County Juvenile Court. With only one judge and one magistrate, time constraints limit the amount of time for them to rule on matters that will decide the child's future. CASA needs community members willing to become these children's advocate. In order to provide the court a in-depth picture into this child's life- we need YOU. Please make a difference in one child's life. Donate or volunteer your time and talents.
CEO Statement
Sumner County CASA is an organization that is only able to exist because of the great community volunteers who advocate for the abused and/or neglected children of our community. Our volunteers ensure the child's voice is heard in court proceedings. Sumner County CASA is unique in the fact that there are no other programs in the county able to fulfill the juvenile courts needs. Children assigned to the CASA program are in need of an advocate to become their expert on all matters regarding them, excluding their parents or other caregivers. CASA provides the extensive training needed to become that special person in the eyes of the child. Volunteers are not professional social workers or attorneys, but just an individual concerned that children deserve the best start in life free of harm.
Board Chair Statement
The Sumner County Board of Directors is dedicated to the agency's mission and works to address the need, to promote the work of CASA, and the impact it has in the lives of children in juvenile court living in their community. The Board has increased the number of members serving on the board, and developed more working committees to head fundraising opportunities for the overall goal of creating name recognition for the CASA program in Sumner County. Board members are just as critical in ensuring the children living in their neighborhoods have the fundamental right to be loved, cared for and safe. In order for the staff and volunteers to accomplish this ultimate goal, a board makes the same commitment to guarantee every child in need of a CASA volunteer receives one.
Service Categories |
|
| Primary Category: | Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy - Children's Rights |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Victims' Services |
| Tertiary Category: | Human Services - Children's and Youth Services |
Areas Served
Sumner County CASA served children in the following cities during the 2023: Gallatin, Portland, Hendersonville, Madison, Castalian Springs, Bethpage, Nashville, White House, Westmoreland, Cottontown, Old Hickory, Memphis, Clarksville, Chattanooga, Hermitage, Smyrna, Nashville, and Erin. Sumner County Juvenile Court had jurisdiction in all of the aforementioned cases that fall outside the physical boundaries of Sumner Count
| TN - Sumner |
