Editor,

Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, isn’t easy. Our CASAs are highly trained volunteers that are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of children that have been removed from their homes following allegations of abuse or neglect.

They visit the children on a regular basis, interview the people who know the children to become better informed about the children’s circumstances and report to the court with their recommendations in ongoing periodic hearings.

They also advocate on behalf of the children outside the courtroom to ensure their educational, physical and mental health needs are met.

Our volunteers are gracious, compassionate and dedicated to the notion that every child deserves a safe, stable, nurturing home.

We are so grateful to them for their tireless work on behalf of the children they are appointed to represent throughout the lengthy court process.

So, thank you, CASA volunteers for everything you do for these children, whether big or small, easy or aggravating, whether it takes seconds or hours.

Thank you, for taking “planes, trains and automobiles” to see a child in person.

Thank you, for driving 40 minutes each way only to find out the visitation you intended to observe had been cancelled.

Thank you, for letting the foster family’s dog lick your hand even though you are allergic to furry pets.

Thank you, for reading an entire young-adult series just so you would have common ground with a youth. Thank you, for searching unsavory places for a little girl’s lost cat.

Thank you, for asking again and again, until it was finally provided, for the evaluation a child needed to get the diagnosis that opened the door to a necessary treatment.

Thank you, for working corroboratively and respectfully with all parties, even though you may have disagreed with them.

Thank you, for obtaining that court order for a necessary service not otherwise available.

Thank you, for meeting with the in-patient treatment case manager in person, even though it meant four hours in rush hour traffic. Thank you, for playing phone tag with the social worker.

Thank you for being you! No, being a CASA isn’t easy, but you are making a huge difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable children.

Through your efforts, children are lifted into safer, healthier and more stable lives that will allow them to become successful members of society.

On behalf of all of us in Island County Juvenile Court Services, thank you.

To learn more about our program or how to become a CASA Volunteer, please call 360-240-5560.

Brigette Juras, coordinator

Island County CASA Program