Representing the children

Imagine that your mother is addicted to methamphetamine and is usually high or passed out, and that the responsibility of a younger sibling rests on your shoulders.

Your mom cannot help, there are strangers in the house who eat your food, are mean to your mom, touch you when you do not want to be touched, and make a mess of your house.

Suddenly, the police arrive, raid the house, take your mom away, and everything that is familiar is left behind. The fear of never seeing your mom or your house again becomes very scary.

This is a typical scenario described by Hiedi Person, Executive Director of the First Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates Program Inc.

CASA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to screen, recruit, train and support a diverse network of dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem volunteers to represent abused and neglected children. Idaho has seven CASA/Guardian ad Litem programs throughout the state.

The First Judicial District, which includes Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Bonner and Boundary Counties, appoints an advocate to every child abuse, neglect or abandonment case.

CASA volunteers advocate for a child’s best interests in court. They investigate allegations by interviewing family, friends, co-workers and service providers. They also review records that are obtained through legal, medical, psychological and assessment venues. The advocate presents written recommendations and testifies in court as to what they believe to be in the best interest of the child, as well as reporting case progress.

Once all of the information is collected and researched, CASA collaborates with community agencies to identify needs and the appropriate services for the children.

While the ultimate decision belongs to the judge, the CASA volunteer is the only person who is not being paid and often is the best representative of the child.

CASA works with the Department of Health and Welfare, Children’s Village, North Idaho Behavioral Health, Kinderhaven and other social service agencies to develop a case plan.

Person says these children are ultimate survivors, victims of mom or dad’s poor choices, victims of an over worked social service system, and sometimes victims of a seemingly unfair judicial process.

“A CASA volunteer serves as the eyes and ears of the court, and follows each case until the child is permanently placed,” says Person. “The volunteer’s voice protects the child when their own tiny voice can’t be heard.”

According to Person, the need for CASA advocates/volunteers is critical.

“We have 269 cases involving 437 children and have only 33 trained CASA volunteers,” says Person. “We need 67 new volunteers right now.”

Based on projected need, Person’s goal for 2007-08 is to recruit and train 200 CASA volunteers. Although the children are served by staff, until a CASA volunteer can be secured, state statute and national standards require the children be served by a volunteer.

Person also paints a grave financial picture. With an annual budget of $171,000 plus, CASA is funded solely by a state grant of $58,000, fundraising and contributions.

Veronika Beck, counselor/therapist, and CASA board and volunteer committee chair since 2003, says the board works very hard to secure additional monies.

“We do a lot of fundraising like last year’s Fountain of Wishes, manning a station for Ironman, and participating in the Janus Charity Challenge – to help offset budget deficits.”

Person also applies for grants to make up the budget deficit but usually receives only oneof four grants she submits.

“This makes it tough, especially since grants are not specifically for general operating expenses,” says Person.

Person has applied for grants for new computers, printers and to set up a Virtual Private Network. An internet technology specialist is desperately needed to connect all five counties.

When you ask a CASA volunteer about their experience, you will hear the words heart-wrenching, challenging, sad, frustrating, but it can also be exhilarating, encouraging and life-altering according to Erin Cunningham, a CASA volunteer since 1999.

“There is a wonderful feeling in the heart when a case closes and you feel you have been instrumental in making sure the child’s best interests were served,” says Cunningham.

Cunningham says CASA is very supportive, helping volunteers and offering in-service trainings.

“Meeting children for the first time can be intimidating, so CASA support staff is there until the volunteer feels comfortable.”

The First District program is an accredited member of the National CASA Association and follows a national 30 hour training curriculum. In-service trainings for volunteers include information on drugs, gangs, case planning and legislation.

The program also offers community outreach training to promote awareness on abuse and neglect, and provides information on reporting, the role of service agencies and the judicial system.

Nationwide studies show that children are out of the system faster and with better results in cases served by a Guardian ad Litem according to Person.

“These trained volunteers provide a service that the counties and courts would be paying for without their help, and they provide valuable independent information to the court,” says Person.

“Every child deserves to be loved and nurtured, free from fear, free from adult responsibilities, free to laugh and love, and learn how to be a good parent themselves some day,” says Person.

“CASA’s work is to ensure that no child goes unrepresented. When you take a look at the victims, the vulnerable children, what they experience is inconceivable.”