In 2020, the 22nd Judicial District CASA, Inc. served 61 children and 40 families in Seminole, Pontotoc, and Hughes Counties. CASA stands for court appointed special advocates for children.

Every year, thousands of children in Oklahoma are removed from their homes due to evidence of abuse and neglect. These children are uprooted from the only family they have ever known, taken out of schools and away from friends. To sum it up, their worlds are turned upside down. Going through the child welfare system is a frightening experience and no child should do it alone.

In Seminole, Hughes, and Pontotoc Counties there are over 240 children in out-of-home foster care placement. 22nd Judicial District CASA, Inc. has 26 active volunteers serving 38 children, which means at least 202 children in this district do not have their own CASA Volunteer advocating for their best interest.

Steps to Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer:

Step 1. Contact your local CASA program.

Your local program will interview you in person and ask you to complete an application. You will also be asked for three (3) professional references to guarantee that you are a person of character, competence, and reliability.

Step 2. Complete a background check.

CASA volunteers undergo a thorough background check to ensure that our children are in good hands. Volunteers cannot have a record of certain criminal offenses, like child abuse, neglect, or any sexual offenses.

Step 3. Complete the required training.

All volunteers must complete an initial training of 30 hours. This training prepares you to be a strong advocate and covers legally mandated topics. You’ll learn about the dynamics of child abuse, juvenile law and court structure.

Step 4. Take your oath before the judge.

That’s it! You’ve become a sworn CASA volunteer. Now you are ready to be appointed to a child who desperately needs your help.

The next Court Appointed Special Advocate training begins in April. Please call (580) 332-1441 to enroll in training and for inquiries about becoming a CASA Volunteer.

You can also email 22nd Judicial District CASA, Inc. at the following address: GetInvolved@adacasa.org.

The 22nd Judicial District CASA, Inc. is located at 102 E. Main in Holdenville (upstairs in the First United Bank building) or at 514 E. 10th Street in Ada.