A worthy New Year's resolution: Advocate for an abused child

Press release

New Year’s resolutions typically focus on self-improvement — lose weight, stop smoking or exercise more.

This year, why not resolve to do something more lasting, such as improving the life of a child who’s suffered abuse and neglect?

As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, volunteers receive in-depth training to advocate in court and in the community for the needs and rights of children in foster care. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and professions but have two things in common: CASAs care about kids and are willing to work to protect them.

“Volunteers get to know the child they represent by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents, relatives, foster parents, teachers, doctors, therapists, attorneys, social workers and others. CASAs use the information they gather to inform judges and others about the child’s needs and work to get those needs fulfilled,” Mark Douglass, executive director of CASA of Hill County said.

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour pre-service training course. Once they are assigned to a case, they can expect to spend an average of 5-10 hours a month getting to know the child, gathering information, exploring resources to meet the child’s needs, representing the child in court, and writing reports. Volunteers receive ongoing education and support from their local program as well.

“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had,” local volunteer Melanie Vinberg said. “For many of the kids I’ve worked with, I’ve been the only stable, supportive adult in their lives. And I know that I’m not just helping these children, but their kids and generations of kids to follow.”

To learn more about how they can make a difference in the life of an abused child here in the community, people can attend an information session Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Havre-Hill County Library from 5 to 8 p.m., or Saturday, Jan. 7, and Saturday, Jan. 14, at Holiday Village Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. People can also contact CASA by calling 265-6743, est. 1135, or emailing [email protected].

“Becoming an advocate for foster children will be the best resolution you can make for this year or any year,” Douglass said.

For more information, people can contact Mark Douglass, executive director, CASA of Hill County, [email protected], 265-6743.