Volunteer A Few Hours A Week, Have A Lifetime of Impact For A Child
Interviewed by Tim Davis
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County empowers volunteers to directly influence life-changing decisions for a child in foster care. The Advocate spends time with “their” child at least once a week, forming a bond that expresses the Advocates care and commitment to the child. The Advocate also collaborates and advocates on the child’s behalf with everyone who is now involved in that child’s life — teachers, social workers, attorneys, foster parents. With the information they gather, the Advocate writes a report to the judge and makes recommendations that are in that child’s best interest.
Anne Young has been a CASA volunteer since 2005 and has supported five children during their time in foster care and beyond.
Why did you choose CASA?
A friend of mine had read an article on CASA. She said why don’t you look into this CASA? I said, “Are you kidding me?” I was a woman without children and had not regretted it. She said, “Yeah, but I think you’d be good at it.” I was searching for something with meaning, something that I could contribute to.
CASA was different, for sure, because it was directly helping children. At the orientation I got the impression that volunteers come and go in different organizations, but this kind of work can really be meaningful and have an impact because you make a connection with a child and hopefully that connection will serve that child well. So I took the training and nine years later here I am. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
How has your experience with CASA changed you?
I’ve always been compassionate, but this experience has ratcheted up my compassion. I’ve always tried not to be judgmental but I guess I had pre-conceived notions about addiction, domestic violence and the issues that come up with these cases. I feel educated from the experience. I think I’m a much better person, more open-minded and less judgmental.
What kind of support do you get from CASA?
Tons. Every advocate has a supervisor. So if you have a question or concern—whatever might come up with your case—you can always get help; and it’s prompt. We’re all scared. It’s huge when you look at a case. But the training really helps and you know you’re never going to be alone if you need support. The outpouring of appreciation from the staff is unbelievable. They can’t thank us enough.
What does the child get out of it?
I think they feel safe and learn to trust you. They get to have some fun. They get a confidant. They get consistency, which is the main thing. When we say we’re going to be there, we’re going to be there because these kids have been let down by so many people.
I’ve had five CASA children. My first case was a ten-year-old. She’s now almost twenty and I’m still with her. She and I have had quite the journey together. She is a wonderful young woman. I know I have been there for her and she knows it.
I still see a previous CASA child a lot. She and I are two peas in a pod. She’s ten. At a CASA fundraiser in September, this child’s mother approached me and said, “Before I came here tonight, I asked [my child] what would it have been like for her if she hadn’t had Anne.” She just looked at her mother and said, “Lonely.”
If a potential volunteer asked why should they become a CASA advocate, what would you tell them?
I don’t think there’s a chance in the world that it won’t become one of the most rewarding things they will do. It changed my life in a million ways—all for the better. It gave me a connection with the community. I’ve made some really close friends within the CASA family. I’ve gotten to know these wonderful children. It’s been my privilege. When you’re sort of in the trenches with these families, you see how life can be really hard. To have that knowledge, and hopefully help, is a real gift.
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The next training session to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate begins January 27, 2015. Volunteers must attend one information session and complete a pre-training interview before beginning the 35 hour training. Sign up at www.tinyurl.com/CASAorientation or contact Cita Rasul, CASA Outreach Coordinator at (831) 761-2956, ext 102, or [email protected] for more information.