Sandy Camilletti Snook, Priscilla Rodd, and Sharon Forrester (Jefferson County) were sworn in by Judge Bridget Cohee at the Jefferson County Courthouse as the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocates. In addition, CASA’s newest staff members, Breanna Koopman and Sarah Arzt, were also sworn in. Following the ceremony, members of CASA-EP and the new advocates enjoyed a special reception at Alfredo’s Mediterranean Grille in Charles Town.
CASA-EP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who meet regularly with their assigned child(ren) and meet as needed with key people in that child’s life, including teachers, doctors, foster parents, and counselors, to have a complete picture of the child’s circumstances. The information is reported back to the Judge to let them know how the child is doing, communicate their concerns, and provide recommendations about the child, including the need for academic support and resources.
Volunteer advocates not only provide crucial support to an overburdened child welfare system, but they also significantly improve the outcomes for children in the foster system. With a CASA volunteer, these children are more likely to succeed in school, find a safe and permanent home, and are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system.
The new class brings the number of volunteers to over 65 advocates and expands the organization’s commitment to ensuring every child and family in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who are victims of abuse and neglect receive life-changing, dedicated advocacy.
As the need for volunteer advocates continues to grow, our community’s response remains crucial. By dedicating their time and energy, these individuals are providing children in our foster care system with the support and resources they need to thrive. CASA-EP is deeply grateful to these volunteers for serving our community’s most vulnerable children, and we are confident that they will make a profound impact on the lives of these children and families.
CASA-EP’s next four-week Advocate Training session is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2025. Those who are passionate about child welfare and would like to register or learn more about how to become a CASA volunteer can visit https://www.mycasaep.org/volunteer/.
