30TH ANNIVERSARY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION - LEIGH MORRIS

On Being a CASA Volunteer

Leigh E.Morris

I haven’t actually taken the time to list them, but I think I’ve probably had over 100 volunteer roles over my lifetime, but none of them were as meaningful—or as personally impactful—as my role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).CASA programs are the only volunteer organization directly connected to the court.After training is completed, they are appointed and sworn in by a judge to speak for a child who would otherwise not be heard.

These children are often abused and neglected, and they desperately the support of an adult who truly cares about them and stays with them for the length of their court case.In Indiana, they’re re called Child in Need of Services (CHINS).The CASA volunteer provides a judge with objective information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. The CASA volunteer makes recommendations to the judge and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.They advocate for the child’s best interests and help them have a safe and permanent home as soon as possible.In my experience CASA I’ve seen first-hand what a difference that can make in the child’s life experience.

Leigh Morris