Casa Braces for Caseload Influx Once State Re-opens

By Shelby Reilly
KTVL
April 30, 2020

https://ktvl.com/news/local/casa-braces-for-caseload-influx-once-state-re-opens

Outside of CASA building in Medford (Shelby Reilly/News 10).

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — With children and their guardians stuck at home due to school shutdowns and a statewide ‘stay at home order’, advocates worry that child abuse may be going undetected and unreported.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jackson County says it is now bracing for the influx of cases it expects to see as the state prepares to reopen.

“We expect to see a possible landslide of cases once this is over," said CASA's executive director, Jennifer Mylenek.

"One of the biggest mandatory reporters (of child abuse) that we hear from is teachers and schools. With kids being out of school and having limited contact with even other people, it’s concerning,” she explained.

Mylenek noted that the organization is currently interviewing incoming court-appointed advocates so that they are ready when this happens.

“When there’s no COVID, we have a standing noon orientation every Thursday that you can just walk into," she explained. "After that and the application process and interviews, there’s a background check to complete before you can start training."

With COVID-19 restrictions she said all of this must now be done virtually. She noted that the child's advocate is a vital point of contact in making sure children in the foster care system stay safe.

“When a CASA is appointed to a child who is in the care of the child welfare system (and) who is potentially living in foster care, that CASA becomes the one consistent person who is only looking out for that child's’ best interest,” she said. “CASA’s are informing the court so the judges can make the best decision possible for that child. Judges often look to the CASA’s for the most complete compilation of information about that kiddo."

Mylenek explained that the organization has a lengthy waiting list of foster children needing to be paired with advocates and said it is still looking to hire more advocates.

“In Jackson and Josephine County combined, we have about 400 children still on our waitlist so that in combination with more kids coming into care which everyone fully anticipates, we still need more CASA’s,” she said.

Mylenek said to become a CASA volunteer, you just have to be 21 years old and have the time commitment for the position. You must also pass a background check, and go through their required training.