October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and the Foster Care Review Board of Arizona encourage residents to help raise awareness about its impact on individuals, communities, and children and families.

The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching and not just for the partners involved but also for the children who may witness it. This can leave children feeling anxious and uncertain. In some instances, it becomes necessary to place the children into kinship care or foster homes.

Research indicates a strong connection between domestic violence and child abuse. CASA of Arizona and the FCRB recruit volunteers year-round and train them to help children in foster care.

Volunteers are committed to advocating for the best interests of children in Arizona’s foster care system. Both programs are administered by the Dependent Children’s Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court throughout Arizona’s 15 counties.

CASA and FCRB volunteers are needed throughout the state. After being vetted, volunteers who are at least 21 years of age are appointed by the court and dedicate an average of 12-15 hours a month.

As a CASA volunteer, you will visit the child, get to know their lives, and advocate for their best interests by making recommendations to the juvenile court regarding services, placement, and permanency goals.

FCRB volunteers serve on a five-member review board that meets via Zoom one weekday per month from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Board reviews the cases of children in foster care, speaks with the interested parties, considers appropriate services and permanency goals, and makes recommendations to the juvenile court.

Anyone interested in advocating for children in their community is encouraged to apply at AZCASAVolunteer.org or azfcrb.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or the Arizona Domestic Violence Helpline Team at 602-279-2980.