Henderson County CASA !!!-my expierence

Many of us watch the news at night and here these tragic stories of abused and neglected children being taken from their home because of something their parents did. We hear about kids in foster care being drag in and out of court and foster care only to be subjected to more abuse. We watch and it all tugs at our heart strings and wish their is something we could do to help these kids..... You don't have to be a lawyer or a case worker or a judge.... You can Be a CASA volunteer.

First you call and do a basic application, a background check, and some references are checked. It take three weeks of training 3 nights a week... you learn the basics how to write a court report how to interact with these kids, parents. Class starts at 5:00-8:00 and supper is there for you when you get there. CASA understands that the volunteers are coming straight from work and are hungry. If you can't make it to every class make up is available. At the end of three weeks you will be sworn in by the judge in Henderson County it is the honorable Judge Beale.

As CASA we are the missing link- in the court system. What I will do is when a case goes into court or a child is removed from their home I meet the child parent's attorneys, CPS and DSC workers and write a report on what steps should be taken to provide this child permency or reunification. Where CPS of DCS has about 30 cases per one worker. We just have one. We stay with the child until 90 days of placement and give this child a voice in the courtroom. I give the child a voice and the judge a clear picture of all parties involved.

This is a wonderful organization that Judge Beale supports and all these CASA volunteers make a difference in Henderson County. We have now about 14 volunteers. If you are looking to enhance this community CASA is a great place to start. Decatur County is in the Process of starting CASA to help kids in Decatur County. Mr. Hank Ivey will be the coordinator and will be starting classes soon.

I was just sworn in on Tuesday October 25^th and look very forward to helping a child. I have never felt so honered to be a part of something like this. SOmething bigger than my self and my own world.

If you cannot provide your time there is other ways to help. CASA is always in need of copy paper, office supplies food and drinks for training classes. Call Dana Cameron at Henderson County CASA at 731-249-5536 or 935-9112. For more information about Henderson County CASA you can visit www.hendersoncountycasa.org