Friday, September 30, 2011

Congratulations to our 2011 Fall Class of Advocates!

2011 FALL CLASS OF CASA ADVOCATES
Left to right: Yuko L., Amy W., Gini Harmon (CASA Supervisor), Deb E., Amy K., Ava Adler (CASA Coordinator), Diane W., Tracy K., Molly Schikora (Judge Referee)

Please welcome our 2011 Fall class of CASA Advocates!

Six community members completed 40 hours of classroom training and courtroom observation facilitated by CASA coordinator Ava Adler and CASA supervisor, Virginia Harmon.

After completing training, CASA volunteers become sworn officers of the court, and conduct their advocacy duties within the boundaries of a court order.

Our CASA volunteers are appointed by referee Molly Schikora to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children in Washtenaw County, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Advocates stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many of our youth, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.

Please check out more pictures of the swearing-in pictures below: