My name is Maryanne McLaren and I was a CASA volunteer for a fourth-grade girl. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. To become a CASA volunteer you must go through extensive training, as well as continuing education classes provided by the organization to keep current on regulations and guidelines. As a CASA you are an additional person involved in a child's life, along with their social worker and , at times, their court-appointed attorney.
I was motivated to become a CASA volunteer by a friend who was already volunteering with the organization. And, the more I looked into it, the more I thought that this was a way I could make a difference in a child's life - a child who was in need of a positive influence.
While there were many ups and downs, one of the best moments with my CASA child was showing up and surprising her at a school assembly where she was giving a presentation. I knew I would be the only person who would be there for her, and I didn't want her to be the only child without family or friends showing up for them. The look on her face as she scanned the crowd and I waved to her from the audience is one of the sweetest and most treasured memories I have.
Not all children who are in foster care, or in "the system" in some form, are in need of a CASA volunteer. These children are identified as having circumstances in their life which place them at risk. You work in partnership with the child's guardian and social worker to provide additional visits and time spent with the child.
One of the things I did not expect was the amount of opposition I sometimes received from the child's guardian. You may need to be very persistent and develop a thick skin to make sure you are spending quality time with your CASA child each week. I would often help her with her homework; we'd have snacks and playtime at the park; I taught her how to crochet and she made a scarf for her mom; simple, every-day experiences.
If you are looking for a wonderful organization to volunteer with, I would highly recommend CASA. You will have one of the most rewarding -- although sometimes challenging and difficult -- experiences making a difference in a child's life.