Eleven community members raised their right hand this past Friday and swore an oath to promote and protect the best interest of children in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
On March 12th, Judge Debra McLaughlin of West Virginia’s 23rd Judicial Circuit swore in the first class of court-appointed special advocates of 2021, offering words of experience and encouragement.
“Having eyes and ears on these kids is so important,” Judge McLaughlin said during the ceremony. “There are homes that we can’t always reach and what CASA volunteers do is essential to keeping them safe. I’m so pleased we’ve seen so many new volunteers come on board.”
Virtual training formats developed in the past year have provided more options for interested applicants. Self-paced platforms introduced this spring have allowed greater flexibility for full-time employed folks to join ranks with current volunteers. All of this makes for better outcomes for children.
Staff share that virtual training has been critical to success in helping children this past year.
“So many people in our community have stepped up to provide a voice for a child this past year,” said Del Pope, director of training and staff development at CASA-EP. “Their commitment has helped expand CASA-EP’s reach, provide greater representation, and more ability to meet the needs of the kids and families we serve.”
The newest class of CASA volunteers join roughly 60 current advocates who provide a voice for children in the Eastern Panhandle.
CASA-EP believes that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in
the community. To accomplish this, CASA-EP trains, educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure that each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system.
Community members from all walks of life are encouraged to apply to be a court appointed special advocate for children. No specific background or experience is required to volunteer. Recent classes have included retired attorneys, magistrates, nurses, former foster children, teachers, social workers, and many others.
“It’s amazing to see the unique experience and passion that comes with each volunteer,” shared Melody Stotler, volunteer supervisor in CASA-EP’s Morgan County office. “We find that almost anyone can find a calling in this work and each perspective brings something to the table that can benefit a child.”
During the virtual and in-person swearing in on Friday, Judge McLaughlin reflected on her own experiences working with children and families. Whether due to abuse, neglect, tragedy, loss or other situation, CASA volunteers are often called on to help in the most complex cases.
She reminded staff and new advocates of the ability to make a difference, even when others may not recognize it in themselves.
“When other resources aren’t always available, a CASA volunteer can be a non-traditional asset to provide mentorship, find family members, and help connect children to services and support,” McLaughin shared. “CASA volunteers offer a listening ear to the child, to truly hear the pain of whatever they might be going through and help guide them and us in the courts to a better outcome.”
Reflecting on her career and long-time participation with CASA organizations, McLaughlin shared that a highlight of being a judge is the ability to be a positive influence.
“One of the highlights of being a judge will always be the ability to push someone to be better, even when others expect them to fail and they themselves think failure is their only option. It’s believing in them and reminding them that things can change. CASA gets to be a part of that, too,” she said.
Apply, donate, or learn more about how you can change a child’s story at www.mycasaep.org, call 304-263-5100, or find CASA of the Eastern Panhandle on Facebook.
