CASA of Northwest Arkansas seeking volunteers as school begins

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Northwest Arkansas non-profit organization is calling on people to step up and be a voice for children in foster care.

CASA of Northwest Arkansas connects children with compassionate volunteers who will advocate for them.

It says this time of the year is crucial, and they need volunteers because when the back-to-school season begins, they see an uptick in the amount of child abuse and neglect cases.

CASA said it believes the rise in cases is associated with children being back under the care of teachers, who are mandated to report potential cases of abuse or neglect.

“Children come into foster care by reports being made. So, any mandatory reporters can report abuse or neglect that they see,” Courtney Voigt, CASA director of development and marketing, said.

According to CASA, 450 children are currently in foster care in Northwest Arkansas but in 2023, CASA served over 700 children. However, it is preparing for that number to grow.

“Historically, we see a spike in the number of children entering foster care in August, September and October, and so our goal is really to be prepared with volunteers,” Voigt said.

As more children enter into foster care, CASA’s need for helping hands grows as well. Voigt says the volunteers wear many different hats, but their biggest goal is to be a voice for the kids.

“Our whole goal is to advocate for them in the court system. That’s our number one goal. So, we write court reports that our judges read and then recommendations that these kids need,” she said.

Rachel Carlton works directly with volunteer advocates at CASA. She says it’s not an easy job, but it is certainly a rewarding one.

“There was a child that needed glasses. Hers had broken, and it went on for nine months. And that advocate was weekly reminding everyone, ‘Hey, she needs glasses. She really needs glasses,’ And she got glasses. So that would not have been done without her,” Carlton said.

Voigt shares the same sentiment.

“I just heard from one of our volunteers there, like I showed up for my monthly visit and I finally got a hug from a kid from my kiddo,” Voigt said “They were excited to see me, and they know that I’m here for them.”

CASA is holding multiple events where potential volunteers can learn more about the organization. An event called “Coffee with CASA” will be held on August 20 at CASA in Springdale.

More information can be found on the CASA website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.