My Calender Just Exploded!

The next step in the CASA process for me was to make a lot of telephone calls to the different people involved with my case. I purchased a calender and marked it all up with my scheduled visits with people connected with the case. It exploded! After I stopped to think about my schedule I realized that a CASA volunteer could get burned out very quickly if they try too schedule too many tasks, visits, and telephone calls in one week. An effective CASA volunteer takes the time to savor the facts of the case and really observe what is happening with the case. I wasn't really put here by my own accord. I truly believe that God brought me to this case and He will guide me through the process.

If we set aside our own ego and

focus on what God wants us to do

He will move mountains for us.

CASA Training

I finally completed my training program to become a CASA volunteer. I was quickly assigned to a case because there is such a great need for volunteers. An order was signed by a judge officially connecting me with the case and now I'm on my way to meeting all of the various parties involved. What I didn't realize is that there are a lot of people involved in the different aspects of a child's case.

The unconditional sweetness of little children is defenseless against the dangers of our world.

Guardian Ad Litem?

Guardian "ad litem" means for the suit or for the duration of the court case. So a Guardian Ad Litem speaks on behalf of a minor child during a court case. In 1974, congress voted into law the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) which provides for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem in child abuse and neglect court cases.

Due to the judicial systems forms and paperwork requirements all of the cases began to look as if they were cut out with a cookie cutter mold. Every child's case had the same plan and recommendation. All children are different and all of their situations are different.

That is where the idea for CASA began to take shape. In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington began a program of volunteers who could advocate for children in court. The volunteers were people from the local community who were trained and given support for their work.

In 1982 National CASA was created to support the volunteer child advocate programs and help train and give support to the numerous volunteers.

He Really Didn't Hit Me

Approximately 75% of children whose mothers are battered witness the violence. The batterer sometimes wants the child to witness it as a form of control and power. The effect on the child’s development can be severe and especially harmful when the victim or the perpetrator is the child’s parent or caregiver.

Children in families where there is domestic violence are at great risk of becoming victims of abuse themselves. Over half of children in homes where their mother is battered are also abused themselves.

Can I leave him today?
I’m so tired of walking on eggshells.
He was so mad at me last night
He said his dinner was too cold
I tried to calm him with praises and false cheer
The children were scared and I pushed them behind me
Chocolate cake on the floor
My nose bleeding
Finally it is over and he is gone
I can clean up the mess and go on
He really didn’t hit me.

What's In a Name?

What's in a name? Names can be an important part in our own personal identity. My maiden name is a little different. In the country where my ancestors are from it is very common.

Why is it that we fear and sometimes hate those that are different from ourselves? In the movie "X-Men" the heros of the movie are all different and are referred to as mutants. They actually are very gifted and talented people.

As a CASA we look at the culteral heritage of our assigned child's family as an integral part of their life. We ask questions about their peronal values and customs. In this way we can become a culterally competent child advocate.

THE ADVOCATE

This is not about

rescue, so as to feel good

when the child lights up with a smile.

This is not about

the comfort of compassion.

This is hard work,

struggling with ripped families

and children in clouds of pain,

anger dancing round their heart

in the turmoil of a world

made crazy.

This is caring,

yes, but also what is just,

what should be demanded.

It takes love

and a certain measure of courage,

and in the simple act

of person help person,

it becomes extraordinary.

-Mercedes Lawry

First Training Session

My first CASA training session was last night. It was nice to be surrounded by people who have a common interest in helping children. Throughout our group participation I found my fellow trainees to be caring, passionate, and determined to make a difference.

Our facilitator discussed some of the different types of cases. I realize now that there is an under belly of society that we don’t see much of on a daily basis. The abuse that some children have been through is almost beyond my comprehension.

Who is responsible for reporting child abuse to the authorities?

Everyone.

If a child ever tells you that they had to be taken away from their parents by the authorities what do you tell that child?

It wasn’t your fault.

Everyone has a right to legal representation in court. The representation is based on the facts of the case. But who looks out for the best interest of the child? Who takes the time to get to know the child?

CASA!

Children will soon forget your presents;

they will always remember your presence. - Dobson