CASA of Kay & Noble Counties welcomes Sara English and Rebecca Skluzacek to the organization.
The Honorable Judge Leach of the state's 8th Judicial District swore in the two new volunteer advocates Tuesday at the Noble County Courthouse in Perry.
The newly appointed CASA volunteers join other community members who have been trained and are advocating for children in state custody.
“We are pleased to welcome these new volunteers who will advocate for some of the most vulnerable members in our community, said Program Director Sharon Mocabee-Sisco. "We invite others to consider this flexible volunteer opportunity as we work towards our vision to provide every abused and neglected child in Kay and Noble Counties with an advocate.”
Kay County ranked No. 10 in Oklahoma in 2014 for the number of cases investigated for child abuse and/or neglect by DHS Child Welfare Services. There were 1,529 children in Kay and Noble Counties combined.
With many children waiting for a CASA volunteer, more advocates are still needed. A CASA volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, clear an extensive background screening and successfully complete 30 hours of training.
In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that.
Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time — and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.
While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Focused exclusively upon the child’s best interest, a CASA volunteer provides individualized one-on-one advocacy. As officers of the court, they ensure the children’s needs are recognized and best interests are considered in the courtroom.
CASA volunteers are asked to meet with the child regularly and are authorized to interview people in the child’s life such as social workers, attorneys and teachers.
The next advocate training session for CASA of Kay & Noble Counties will be held in October. To learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or to complete on online volunteer application, visit www.KayNobleCASA.org.
Pictured from left are Sara English, the Honorable Judge Leach and Rebecca Skluzacek after the swearing in ceremony on Sept. 20 at the Noble County Courthouse in Perry.
