Hi all.  I’m embarking on a new chapter in my life.  One that will take time, effort, emotion and commitment.  I have decided to become a volunteer CASA-a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children placed in the foster care system.  What is CASA?  “A Court Appointed Special Advocate (TM) (CASA) is an adult willing to stand up for an abused or neglected child.  A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process. In a court system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA volunteer can make the single greatest difference in the life of a child.”  (taken from a CASA brochure)  Simply put, a CASA is someone who speaks on behalf of a child in court who has been placed in foster care.  A CASA differs from a CPS (Child Protective Services) worker in that CASAs are volunteers typically only assigned to one case, therefore having the ability to spend adequate time researching the child’s best interest.

After deciding to commit to this volunteer position, I filled out a lengthy application, went through an interview process, acquired 3 references and passed a background check.  Once all this was done I went through CASA training.  Classes were 3 hours a night for 5 nights, plus 3 hours of courtroom observation.  Additionally, 12 hours of ‘homework’ or additional reading/research needed to be completed also.  Once these requirements were met, I (along with 6 other volunteers) was sworn in by the district judge to be a certified CASA/GAL (guardian ad litem). 

I received my first phone call today about a case.  It concerns an young girl who was apparently left home alone by her mother.  The mother was apparently found intoxicated and passed out, and was apprehended by the police.  I accepted the case, will receive the case file tomorrow, will do interviews with both the mother and the daughter in the foster home (they will be seperate interviews) early next week, and the first court date (called the show-cause hearing) is at the end of next week.  I’m looking forward to working this case as my first assignment.

Some additional information about me and this blog as a sidenote:  I am a college educated wife and a stay-at-home mother of two small children, and a Christian.  This blog is intended to be used to inspire others who may be interested in advocating for the safety and best interests of innocent children and may want to know more about the job of a CASA volunteer.  Personally, however, this blog will have a twofold purpose for me; firstly it will be a journal of my journey as a CASA.  Most CASAs make a commitment of a year to complete an entire case.  Secondly, I intend to use it as an emotional outlet for some of the difficulties and sadness that I may encounter in working closely with hurting children.  I may often express my shock and naieviety along the way as my eyes are opened to some of the not-so-pleasant facts of our society.

Lastly I need to be sure it’s noted that because I’ll be working on open court cases, specific facts, names (including my own), certain dates and locations will not be disclosed.  If names are ever mentioned, you can be assured that they are fictional.

I think that about covers it.  This is my first ever blog so as I learn to navigate my way around it more, I will begin adding links and such.