When the government assumes custody of an abused child who has been removed from home, the child often undergoes a constant change in environment, creating uncertainty in his or her life.
The process for parents to regain custody of their child can last over a year due to the high volume of similar cases that the Division of Family and Childhood Services receives. Amidst this convoluted state of waiting for resolution, one organization is devoted to giving a voice to the children.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children is a national organization with offices in throughout Georgia. It trains volunteers to be appointed by a judge to look out for the best interest of abused or abandoned children.
Volunteers are in charge of compiling information regarding the child’s situation, attending court hearings to speak on the child’s behalf and advising the judge on decisions that would impact the child’s future. Their role is to defend the security, permanence and well being of the minor.
“I am the voice of the children. I have one child who is two years old and another who is three, and those children don’t have anyone else to speak out for them,” said Luren Koplock, a Peru native and program volunteer.
According to the law, these children must have someone to represent them in court, who could be a lawyer, but in this case is a CASA volunteer.
“We’re looking for people who will not only watch, but also observe — people who will not only hear, but also listen. We’re looking for someone who won’t look at the surface level because there’s much more beyond it, and everybody is watching these children,” said María Rodríguez-Curtis, coordinator of Training and Recruitment for CASA. “Is there someone who truly observes them based on who they are and what the future may hold for them?”
Rodriguez, a Puerto Rico native, explained the difference between CASA volunteers and foster parents. CASA volunteers do not provide housing for the children, but instead work as investigators who become experts on the children to ensure their well being.
Among other duties, volunteers visit the children’s schools and foster parents’ homes to determine if they are suitable for the children.
They also investigate the children’s health and academic achievement.
“We’re monitoring the situation and making sure that the judge has all of the precise information,” explained Melodie Smith, executive director for CASA who added that volunteers serve as a neutral figure between the parents and the temporary guardians.
The organization explained that due to the high quantity of children who are removed from their homes, it is in need of more people willing to serve as volunteers, especially those who speak Spanish.
Information about CASA Paulding: 770-505-0065 or www.casapaulding.org
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