CASA is...

CASA is...

- A safe, permanent home, as soon as possible.

- A voice for children who are not in a position to speak for themselves.

- Getting to know some great kids who don't deserve the problems they have faced and letting them know they will no longer have to face those problems alone.

- Concern that you aren't doing enough and frustration that you can't do more.

- Lots of phone calls to people who don't have a clue who you are or why you're calling.

- Knowing the difference between a status hearing, an adjudicatory hearing, and a dispositional hearing.

- Wanting another case, but fearing you are not up to the challenge.

- Giving something back to your community.

- Realizing (yet again) that the world is not black and white and, in spite of that, making a recommendation that will affect the lives of many people.

- Filling up a three-ring binder, and then another, and then another.

- Leaving Claremore at 1:45 p.m. for a 2:30 p.m. hearing in Vinita. Speeding. Then finding out that your case won't be heard until 3:30.

- Gaining a new appreciation for social workers and attorneys and judges.

- Watching a dysfunctional family attempt to heal itself.

- Telling your CASA kids there is an upcoming hearing that may be difficult, and having them ask if you'll be there with them. Telling them you will.

- Realizing that you can make a difference in the life of a child.

- Filling out reports.

- One of the most challenging and rewarding efforts I have ever undertaken.

- Finding a safe, permanent home for kids who deserve a safe, permanent home.

- Unconditional love for kids who have never experienced it.

- Walking the walk after you've talked the talk for too long.

- Facing the fear that you may not be good enough or strong enough or smart enough to actually make a difference.

- Watching a 16-year-old child testify that her parent - who is sitting in the courtroom - has abused or neglected her for years, and beginning to understand the meaning of the word "courage."

- My gift to myself.


Original work by Robert Hendrickson, CASA Volunteer for Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties in Kentucky. Some wording changed to fit our CASA program.