Why the need?

Life is tough when you’re a child. Children have a lot to learn in school and about life. And when there’s chaos, abuse and neglect at home the best thing for a child, sometimes, is to be removed from that home.

This is tough on a child. Everything is new. They still have school, doctor’s appointments and school activities but now they also have a new home, court dates, case workers and check-ins with parents. The fear of all this newness and the pain of separation can go on for days, weeks, months or years. It’s really tough for these children.

There are ways to help. Ways to bear the burdens the child is carrying and make the days less tough. These children need someone constant who is on their team. Someone who is fighting for their best amidst all the turmoil.

A CASA volunteer provides this help. The Court Appointed Special Advocate knows the child. There are still tough days but now there’s someone standing up for the child, day in and day out. Someone who knows both the biological and foster parents, teachers, doctors and social workers to ensure the child’s needs are being met. Someone who speaks for the child’s best interest in court and who the judge counts on for insight.

This person is there for the tough days, the great days and the in-between days. This person is so important. And there are dozens of children in our county waiting for someone to speak up for them and help them weather the storm. The need is strong. The need is real.