Pictured from left are: Hon. Bryan B. Chambers, Rebecca Williams, and CASA Coordinator Emily Nader.
“Serving as a CASA volunteer and helping our youth in care, you can impact our future.” Inspirational words shared by the Honorable Judge Bryan B. Chamber during the Oath of Service Ceremony on Sept. 27, 2023. Rebecca Williams took an oath in front of the Hon. Bryan B. Chamber to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocate for children from the southern Gila County area who are currently living in foster care, due to abuse or neglect.
“We are excited to welcome Rebecca to the CASA Program in Southern Gila County,” said Emily Nader, coordinator for CASA of Gila County. “Her willingness to help our local youth will make a difference in the life of a child from our community who is in the foster care system. As a CASA Volunteer, she will fill the unique role of being a voice for a child’s best interest during a difficult time in their life.”
CASA volunteers are appointed to a case by a judge and spend 10-20 hours per month creating connections, researching, and advocating for the child’s safety and best interest. They act as the eyes and ears of the court and send a report to the judge before court hearings, so the judge has complete and unbiased information.
The CASA program in the southern part of Gila County is in dire need of additional volunteers. With Rebecca joining, the local program now has five volunteers from the southern area of Gila County, but still has over 70 children currently in care from the area without a volunteer in their corner. The program welcomes any volunteer who meets the eligibility requirements regardless of their employment status. There is no specific degree or experience needed to become a CASA volunteer. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, and pass a thorough screening process. All training for the position is provided at no cost to the volunteer.
CASA volunteers provide a valuable service to judges and also become a consistent person in the life of a child while in foster care. If you are interested in more information, please visit www.CASAofGilaCounty.org or call 928-402-4427.