CASA receives national certification for work quality

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland—which serves Anderson, Blount, and Scott counties—has been awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. This certification recognizes that CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is in compliance with National CASA’s high standards for quality child advocacy.

“The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous and reflects our commitment to ensure every child we serve has the most powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf,” said Michael Piraino, chief executive officer of the National CASA Association. “This certification says CASA of the Tennessee Heartland has demonstrated to us a strong capacity to provide excellent services to the abused and neglected children within their community.”

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland was started in Anderson County in 1988, has been serving Scott County for 13 years, and is entering the second year of service in Blount County.

Since July 1, 2013, more than 200 children have received advocacy services from one of the 70 current CASA of the Tennessee Heartland volunteer advocates.

“While this is a great number, more than 250 children remain on a waiting list,” a press release said.

For more information about the program or becoming a volunteer advocate, contact Naomi Asher at [email protected] or visit www.casatnh.org.