CASA volunteers find rewards much greater than challenges
A dedicated group of individuals is making a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Northwest Indiana.
They are Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteers. Their work is a cornerstone of support for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
Child advocates
CASA is a nationwide network of trained volunteers who advocate for children involved in the legal system. Judges appoint these community volunteers to represent the best interests of children. CASA volunteers act as the eyes and ears of the court.
Each volunteer is paired with a child or multiple children in a family. The volunteer visits the child regularly, builds a relationship and helps determine what services will benefit the child. They provide crucial information to judges to help the court make informed decisions about the child’s future.
“The goal is to advocate for the best interest of the child, not the parents or the agencies involved, but the child,” said Jackie Dermody, CEO of Family Advocates in La Porte.
Regional impact
CASA programs are funded by a variety of methods, including grants from the state of Indiana CASA program; Victims of Crime Act federal funds, county funding, fundraising and donations. The impact of CASA in the Region is profound.
“In the last six months, we have seen a significant increase in youth being removed from their homes in La Porte County,” Dermody said. “Last month, we had 290 children in our program, which is the largest number we have ever managed.”
In 2023, Crossroads CASA in Rensselaer served 123 children in Jasper, Newton and Benton counties.
Providing support
By advocating for stability, safety and permanency, CASA volunteers establish relationships not only with the children they represent but also with their families, foster parents, social workers and teachers — a comprehensive support network around each child.
Mary Kay Emmerich has served as a Crossroads CASA volunteer for 14 years.
“I want to make a difference in the lives of children,” Emmerich said. “CASA is a way to make lifelong impacts for children, which will leave a legacy even after I am gone.”
Working as a CASA volunteer can be emotionally taxing.
“Being a CASA volunteer is not for the faint of heart,” Dermody said. “Our volunteers understand the significant impact they make on the lives of these children. They are directly involved in determining if a child returns home or if the parent/child relationship is terminated and helping to secure a forever home for these youths.”
Despite these challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. For many CASA volunteers, the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life outweighs difficulties they may face along the way.
“The biggest reward is leaving families and children better than when I first met them,” Emmerich said. “We are the lucky ones that see a child’s story change knowing that we had a part of it.”
Looking ahead
Regional CASA programs are seeking volunteers. They have waiting lists of children in need of advocates.
“We are looking for volunteers from the community who are committed to advocating for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system through no fault of their own,” said Katie Hall, Crossroads CASA director.
Volunteers complete about 30 hours of screening and training. The average time commitment as a volunteer is five to 10 hours a month.
“We ask volunteers to at least serve the life of a case,” Hall said. “We strive on being a consistent pillar in a child’s life when they are experiencing a lot of uncertainty.”
CASA in Northwest Indiana stands as a testament to the power of community, advocacy and support. CASA volunteers ensure that children’s voices are heard, and their best interests are represented.
“While being a CASA volunteer can be difficult from time to time, due to the extent of abuse or neglect suffered by the child, the CASA volunteer has the absolute ability to forever change the course of a child’s life,” Dermody said. “It is one of the most impactful volunteer opportunities available in our community. One caring adult can make all the difference.”
Read more stories from the current issue of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
