The epidemic of child abuse and neglect is growing in Oklahoma. There are thousands of child abuse and neglect cases reported annually. Sadly, Oklahoma County continues to lead the state in the number of abuse and neglect cases, both investigated and confirmed. Child welfare workers and attorneys struggle to meet statutory requirements, while keeping abreast of the staggering number of cases.

That's where Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA as they are more commonly known, come in. A CASA is a trained volunteer who advocates for the best interest of abused or neglected children in court. The role of the CASA in a child abuse or neglect case is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, make an independent evaluation with recommendations regarding actions in the child's best interest, both short and long term, and to monitor the case until a permanent placement is achieved.

NEWS FLASH

CASA of Oklahoma County is proud to announce The Honorable Stephen P. Alcorn, Oklahoma County Juvenile Judge, was recognized as the 2009 Judge of the Year during t he Statewide CASA Awards of Excellence Banquet held March 27th in Oklahoma City. 
Poignantly stated, Judge Alcorn’s acceptance of the award was a tribute to the remarkable work of the CASA volunteers in Oklahoma County.  “I can choose to focus on the evil of humanity or I can choose to focus on the best humanity because I get to see both of those things everyday. So I choose to focus on the best humanity that is exemplified by my CASAs and my foster parents.” Click on the image below to play the video.