PAWNEE/OSAGE CASA - PAWNEE NATION TRIBAL COURT

Pawnee CASA recieved an expansion grant in 2000 to move into the Pawnee Nation Tribal Court System. Project Director Helen Norris has worked closely with the Pawnee Nation to incorporate CASA into the court system. Judge Charles Tripp and Judge Diane Barker-Harrold  are the presiding Judges for the Pawnee Nation Court.

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Pawnee Children

What is a Pawnee Tribal CASA?

A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for Pawnee children is a community member appointed to be the personal advocate for an abused adn neglected child in tribal court. A CASA is an independant, objective advocate who makes recommendations to the court regarding the child's best interests.

 What does a CASA Volunteer Do?

The CASA gathers independant information by reviewing all of the records pertaining to the child and talking with the child and others involved in the case. The advocate then makes recommendations to the court and monitors the progress of the court approved plan for the family. CASA volunteers usually handle one or two cases at a time- so that they can concentrate solely on the needs of the child.

Do We Need CASA?

All children have a right to a home with loving people to care for them. However, each year in the United States, millions of children are abused, neglected, or abandoned by their families. Eventually, many of these children end up in court with a judge deciding their future- should the child reamin in foster care, be reuntied with their parents, be placed with someone in their extended family, or be adopted? The needs of children may become lost in an overburdened child welfare system that cannot pay close attention to each child.

What are the Benefits of a Pawnee Tribal Court CASA?

 Pawnee Children learn that there is one special person who is there for each of them - someone who will help them make it through the system; someone who is there for them only because they care. The CASA volunteer provides the court with additional information which helps the judge make important decisions that impact the child. Other agencies know they can turn to a CASA volunteer for information and assistance, because the CASA has more time to spend on each child's case. The community knows there is a way of becoming involved in protecting the rights of Pawnee children.

How Can CASA be Adapted to Meet the needs of Tribal Courts and the Pawnee People?

The CASA concept is a flexible approach to providing advocates for children in child protection proceedings which can be adapted to meet the needs of the Pawnee community. Other Tribal court CASA programs have developed many adaptations and innovative policies and procedures, including tribal resolutions allowing tribal employees time off of work to perfrom CASA duties, obtaining credit at tribal colleges for CASA volunteers, incorporating tribal custom and tradition, involvement of tribal elders, use of family group conferences, and use of traditional program names and logos.

Who can become a CASA?

If you care about Pawnee children, have time to commit, and are a mature and responsible adult then you may qualify to be a CASA in your community. No special experience required. CASA volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment.

What Training and Support do CASA's receive?

Once accepted, advocates receive the tools they need to serve as CASA's, including in-depth training and on-going monthly support sessions. They learn about courtroom procedure, the tribal court system, the social service system, how to work with families in crisis and the special needs of children who have been abused or neglected. The CASA program provides support and assistance on an on-going basis.

How Much time does it require?

Although each case is different, a CASA usually spends about 10 hours doing research and talking to persons involved in the case prior to a court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volutneers generally serve about 10-15 hours per month. With the exception of court appearances, CASA volunteers have considerable flexibility in scheduling interviews and other appointments. Consequently, you can serve as a CASA even if you have a full-time job.

 Why Should I Become a CASA?

The Indian Child Welfare Act states that "there is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children." The Pawnee Tribal Court CASA provides an opportunity for individual community members  to demonstrate that they truly believe that the children are their community's most precious resource. Advocates understand the work may be challenging, but it is also gratifying. Becoming a CASA provides a unique community experience-  the opportunity for personal growth and development through challenging work.

How do I become a CASA?

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or have any questions, please contact:

Helen Norris, Pawnee/Osage CASA Director

918-762-3776; Helen@pawneecasa.org