Banner year for CASA volunteers with 19 sworn in as class of 2005

With 19 newly sworn-in Court Appointed Special Advocates, this year's 2005 CASA graduating class was the largest since 1994.

Recruitment for the volunteers, who must invest 30 hours in pre-service training and an additional 12 hours of training per year, began in July. Training covers child development, drug awareness, attachment and bonding, the Division of Family Services and juvenile systems, cultural diversity, child protection orders and CASA practices. Some of the child advocates heard about the training from their church bulletins, the newspaper and public service announcements on TV. Others had an affinity toward the serious issue of the neglect and abuse of children.

New CASA volunteer Judy Rohr of Jackson has seen the impact CASAs have made on the court system in her previous position at a law office. Seeing the difference an advocate could make was what planted the seed for Rohr three years ago. As she went through the classes the commitment Rohr would have to make became a reality.

"But I don't think it will take a lot of day time except for court appearances. I have an hour for lunch when I can make phone calls if necessary," she said.

Cape Girardeau resident Tina Marlow, said, "I've always wanted to do something to help other children. My heart is for kids and the elderly."

In order to fulfill her role as a CASA she'll make time in her schedule. Plans include a backup baby sitter who cares for her 2-, 3- and 5-year-old grandchildren when she's unable. Marlow has cared for them since they were 6 weeks old. Her strong advocacy for children in unfortunate circumstances is also manifested in her commitment as a foster parent, attending classes simultaneously with her CASA training.

So far this year volunteers have provided 1,343 hours to 65 children in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry counties. In all, 31 child cases were closed, 26 new children were assigned to a CASA volunteer, five children were adopted, two children were placed with legal guardians, two were placed with relatives, one child died and a CASA volunteer resigned.

CASAs must be 21 or older, certified and approved by the court and sworn in. For more information, call 335-1726.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133