Many Georgia Law students have become CASAs in Clarke County. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child who is in foster care. The CASA volunteer gathers information about the child's situation, attends court proceedings and makes a written recommendation to the judge so that the judge has the information to make a decision about the child's future.
Law students who have completed CASA training and have been assigned a case through the CASA program may apply to receive credit for CASA work through the Civil Externship program. Students will be supervised by Wilbanks CEASE Clinic Director Emma Hetherington, who will also serve as their Peer Coordinator through the CASA program. Acceptance into the externship program will be based on the anticipated work involved with the pending CASA case, and if multiple students apply the supervisor may need to limit enrollment to guarantee adequate supervision.
Students interested in CASA work can find more information at http://www.athensoconeecasa.org/volunteer.html. CASAs are expected to commit to at least one year as volunteers, or until their assigned case is resolved.
Completion of CASA training. Must have started work on at least one case prior to externship semester.