Being an advocate

Editor's note: This is the 10th in a series of stories with an introduction from Nancy Jernigan at the United Way highlighting volunteers and agencies who are active in or funded by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. To get involved, visit the United Way online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org, at its offices at 430A Broadway or by phone at 334-9634.

One of the worst scenarios you can imagine is a child being taken away from their parents by the court system because of abuse or neglect, but it happens every day in our community. Fortunately for these families, we have Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers trained and ready to step in and help.

From their website: "When the court is making decisions that will affect a child's future, the child needs and deserves a spokesperson -- an objective adult to provide independent information about the best interests of the child ... A CASA volunteer can be the source of stability and comfort to fill an enormous void in the child's life."

Christine Tourville is from Potosi, Mo., and has lived in Southeast Missouri for the last four years. The retired elementary school teacher said she became a CASA because she still wanted fulfillment in retirement.

What do you do as a CASA?

I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate. I advocate for foster children and help the court in making informed decisions regarding family reunification.

How often do you volunteer as a CASA?

There is no specified time limit. I represent children until a resolution is reached in their particular case.

How often do you volunteer other than CASA?

I volunteer through service projects and fundraising for Hobbs Chapel as the need permits.

What made you want to volunteer and why did you chose to volunteer as a CASA?

I wanted to do something meaningful in my retirement, and CASA seemed the obvious choice. As an elementary school teacher I was able to see firsthand how difficult it was for foster children to have a voice regarding their own circumstances. Often, those involved in their cases are so overloaded that they do not have adequate time to spend getting to know each child on a personal level. A CASA volunteer, on the other hand, deals with only one or two cases at a time, allowing them to spend a great deal of time with each child and enabling them to help determine the specific needs of that child.

How do you think volunteering here has changed/affected you?

I have a greater appreciation for the process of the foster care system. I feel a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that I have helped court officials in determining what is best for a child.

What lessons have you learned here?

I have gained insight into the legal system concerning the juvenile court system and the rights of children. I realized that the system is much more complicated than I had originally thought. There are many steps in the foster care process that the average person may not be aware of. It is difficult for every child to be represented on an individual basis.

Tell us about a specific experience that sticks out for you.

Every case that ends with the placement of a child in a safe and happy home, whether it be with their birth parents, a kinship or an adoption placement, is a great experience and evokes a great deal of satisfaction.

Why should someone be a CASA?

There is a great need in the juvenile court system for caring individuals who have the time to devote to a child in foster care. It is a very rewarding and meaningful experience to work with children and to help them experience a safe and happy childhood.