Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Inc., has declared Dec. 10 as this year’s “Day of Giving.”

This annual event helps to fund the work of community volunteers who guide children through the complex court, social services and foster care systems.

Kathryn Eaton, CASA executive director, said this Muskogee County fundraiser is very important because it’s only once a year.

The board sends out letters, primarily to businesses, but also to individuals, Eaton said.

“And then we follow up the letters with phone calls or personal visits to talk about CASA and what’s going on with it and what our needs are, to get their support,” she said. “The letters are sent to about 300 businesses and individuals who are personally known by members of the board. So it’s a kind of one-on-one opportunity to talk about CASA and our needs and what we’re doing for the community.”

Eaton said the Day of Giving has been going on for at least six years.

“All the calls are handled by our board members, who are volunteers,” she said. “We serve Muskogee and Wagoner counties.”

Eaton said CASA helps children who have been abused or neglected and are in state custody or the direct supervision of the Department of Human Services, and have a court case that involves the child who is in court.

“At the point in the case where the abuse has already been verified and the judge is trying to decide where to place the child, whether the parents have been corrected or not, if the child will be reunited with their family, or if the child will be adopted, that’s where CASA comes in,” she said. “They gather information from the child, the foster parents, the parents, teachers, counselors; anyone who has any input or information about the child. They put that information in a report that goes to the judge every time the case comes up for a hearing.”

The point of all CASA’s work is to help the judge make the very best decision possible.

“Our recommendations always reflect the best interests of the child,” she said.

Last year in Muskogee County, only 31 percent of the children named in deprived petitions had an advocate, and more advocates are needed.

A media release also said the result is that a child has a better chance of being placed into a safe, loving home where he or she can thrive. Nationwide, children with advocates leave foster care six months sooner than if they do not have an advocate.

Reach Keith Purtell at 684-2925 or kpurtell@muskogeephoenix.com.



How to help

Anyone interested in participating in the “Day of Giving” may send a donation to CASA for Children, Inc., P.O. Box 1274, Muskogee, OK 74402. Individuals may also request a Christmas or Hanukkah card be sent for donations made in honor or memory of someone special. Information: 686-8199.