CASA volunteers are people from all walks of life who have been rigorously screened and trained. Each volunteer receives 30 hours of pre-service training, with an additional 12 hours of continued education annually. A CASA volunteer is a sworn officer of the court who provides the judge or magistrate with the information needed to make well-informed decisions and help ensure positive outcomes for children and youth in foster care. These superheroes among us not only advocate for the children within the court, child welfare and school systems, but also form relationships with them that last for years.
During the pandemic, we had 10 active volunteers who, in spite of court shut downs, social distancing and CDC guidelines, were able to volunteer over 330 hours and drive over 2,500 miles to serve and protect the best interests of children and youth in Caroline County foster care. In honor of our volunteers’ hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic and in recognition of National CASA/GAL Appreciation Day, CASA of Caroline’s Board of Directors and staff held an appreciation luncheon at the Caroline Culinary Arts Center. Shelly Kulp. Executive Director of CASA of Caroline, thanked each volunteer for the compassion and commitment they demonstrated throughout the challenging logistics of a global pandemic. Bob Friday, President of the Board of Directors and one-time CASA volunteer advocate, also commended them for their efforts during such a challenging year. Each volunteer was presented with a copy of “Three Little Words”, the memoir of a girl who spent 9 difficult years in the foster care system and eventually discovered her own voice.
We are so grateful for these superheroes who volunteer their time and work tirelessly to “Change a Child’s Story”!