CASA program recruiting volunteers

An introduction to the Court Appointed Special Advocate program will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at Dempster Hall at Southeast Missouri State University.

Advocates are appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child placed in foster care. While a social worker may have 20 to 40 cases at one time; advocates typically have one or two. Judges rely on the CASA assessments of the situation in determining children's fates.

Advocate training includes 30 hours on various topics including child development, drug awareness, attachment and bonding, the DFS and juvenile systems, cultural diversity, child protection orders and CASA practices.

"The speakers are really interesting," said Vicki Lowell, who became an advocate two years ago. "It was a learning experience."

CASA volunteers must be 21 or older. They serve the victims -- children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Requirements include an interview by board personnel, submitting an application, a criminal background check, 30 hours of training and completion of one case. Cases may remain active for as long as a year.

Training and manuals are free. Volunteers serving in Bollinger and Perry counties are reimbursed for mileage.

To remain a volunteer, 12 hours of in-service training are required annually to keep volunteers motivated, up to date and provided the tools needed to help the children.

"Each training session offers different speakers," said Winnie Seabaugh, a CASA caseworker. "I've been with CASA since 1994 and I always learn something new."

The idea to become a volunteer was planted when Lowell read about it in the Southeast Missourian. "I knew I was capable of doing more than showing people to their hospital rooms," said Lowell, who is retired. "I knew I wanted to work with children."

'Somebody there for them'

She handles cases of children age 5 and under.

"These kids are unsure of what tomorrow will bring. As a CASA volunteer I feel they know if something goes bad there's somebody there for them," she said.

The CASA project of the 32nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri serves Bollinger, Cape Girardeau and Perry counties with 32 volunteers. Active cases include nine child protection orders and 16 juvenile cases.

Lowell cannot recall a case that particularly moved her more than the rest.

"I think they all move you," she said. "You're almost sad when a case ends."

Although a minimum of two hours per month to meet with the child is all that's required, Lowell said, "once you get involved you want to see them more."

She said the rewards outweigh the demands, especially when she hears a child say, "Vicki, I just love you."

For more information on the program, call 335-1726.