Martinsburg, WV. – When we think of summer, we often imagine sunshine, swimming, popsicles, cookouts or beach trips. Kids can’t wait for the time when the school year ends, and the freedom and fun of summer begins. But for some CASA children, summer isn’t a time of fun. Rather, the structure and safety of school is their happy place and summer can be frightening, chaotic or unpredictable.
In summer, children have many fewer contacts with people outside the home, and the presence of a CASA volunteer who is there throughout the year becomes even more important for their safety and stability.
CASA of the Eastern Panhandle recently announced an intensive Crash Course to encourage community members to make a difference for kids this summer. The in-person daytime training offered from August 8th through August 11th is designed to help new advocates complete advocate training in just a few short days.
“This Crash Course is ideal for those who have wanted to help, but haven’t had the time. Summer is the perfect time for us to offer this face-to-face, intensive training and get folks up to speed quickly,” said Cari Lefeber, CASA-EP Director of Programs.
CASA programs and their volunteers exist to help the vulnerable children of our community. CASA volunteers stand up for their best interests in court, at home, and in the community. These adults help children and youth receive needed services and support year-round. Reunification with family is the top priority and ultimate goal for all children. If reunification is not possible, a CASA is there to help discern the next best situation where they can thrive. They ensure that children are not moved from placement to placement, that they spend as little time as possible in out-of-home placement before reaching permanency either with their biological family or through adoption, and that they are protected from any further risk of abuse. CASA volunteers are an objective voice for the child in the court process, while being a consistent and caring person in the child’s life.
During summer, this can look like CASA volunteers connecting children and youth with scholarship options for summer camps that would be unaffordable otherwise, because every child deserves the chance to grow and develop during the summer months. It can mean reading with them during visits, to help prevent the “summer slide” of skills gained in their last school year. Sometimes it means taking them out to the parade or ice cream to create happy memories.
“Our Crash Course is ideal for teachers, retirees, and others with flexible summer schedules or extra vacation days. It also helps ensure that children have someone in their corner as they prepare to return to school in the fall,” said Lefeber.
Last year in the Eastern Panhandle, over 600 children were living in out-of-home placement because their homes were no longer safe. These children lead uncertain lives: some are in foster care, others in group homes, some in shelters; many of them are separated from their siblings; many of them don’t understand what has happened or why. All through no fault of their own.
The rewards, though at times hard-won, are great.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to know that you were able to make a difference for a child, to observe and witness their lives, but also go to court and articulate their needs and desires to the judge. I know my support is having an impact,” said one CASA volunteer.
An application, references, background check and interview must be completed along with 36 hours of training before taking an active case in the court system. Volunteers must be 21 and willing to complete a background check.
“CASA-EP’s goal is to remain flexible and adaptable for our volunteers, which is why we have so many training options available. When advocacy can fold into their life, that creates the best outcomes for both volunteers and the kids,” said Lefeber.
The four-day Crash Course training classes take place from August 8th through 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CASA-EP main office on Mid-Atlantic Parkway. Those interested in learning more about the Crash Course and CASA advocacy should visit www.www.mycasaep.org for more info.
CASA-EP believes that every child who’s been abused or neglected deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, CASA-EP educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure that each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. Apply, donate, or learn more at www.www.mycasaep.org, call 304-263-5100, or find CASA of the Eastern Panhandle on Facebook.
