New CASA Advocates

 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA 20th) took another step towards reaching their goal to serve all abused and neglected children in the 20th Judicial District, which includes Van Buren, Searcy and Faulkner counties, by swearing in three new advocates last week.

After completing extensive background checks and training Barbara Hutto, Sally Wheatly and Wendy Russ stood before Judge Clark and swore to faithfully protect and promote the best interest of each child they represent.

As a CASA advocate these women will be assigned to an open dependency neglect case, which involves a child having been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect.  The advocates role is to investigate every aspect of that child’s life and make a fact based, child focused report to the judge.  When asked what a good outcome is for CASA, Van Buren County Advocate Coordinator Debra Lance explained, “a good outcome is when a child is placed in a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible.  It can mean the child is placed back in the home with their parents; is placed with a relative who is able to care for them; and in some cases it means a non relative adoptive placement is found.”

CASA Program Director Els Strickland explains, “a CASA is only interested in what is best for the child.  There is no other agenda or issue to be considered.  A sad day is when a child is left lingering in the foster care system watching their childhood tick by without a support system to guide them into adulthood.”

With April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, right around the corner, CASA 20th is working hard to continue to recruit more local citizens willing to step up and make a difference in these children’s lives.  As new advocate and Clinton City Council Member, Wendy Russ said, “I’ve seen the urgent need in our area for advocacy for children and for more help in strengthening of the family structure. Each child deserves a healthy, happy, strong living environment and if we work together as a community and expect that of each other, we can make it happen.”

To show your support for abused and neglected children in our community please join CASA 20th on Thursday April 8, 12 p.m., Van Buren County Courthouse, downtown Clinton for a flag raising ceremony to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

To learn more about CASA 20th and how you can become an advocate please visit www.casa20th.org or contact Debra Lance at 745.3038.

 Powered by Max Banner Ads