Consider Becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate

To the Editor:

I am a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in New Hampshire. I am telling my story in hopes that you, too, will decide to become a CASA volunteer.

A CASA is a volunteer of the NH Family Court who advocates on behalf of children who have been determined by the state to be neglected and/or abused by their parents. Sometimes the children are still living with the parents – sometimes these children are in foster care. In either case, the children are being overseen by the state Division of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). The CASA visits with the child at least monthly, attends court hearings, and submits reports to the court making recommendations from an informed opinion about “what is in the best interest of the child.”

Since I first learned about CASA 15 years ago, I always knew in my heart that this was something I wanted to do. When my children left home for college, the timing was right for me to accept the challenge. CASA volunteers receive 40 hours of training and ongoing support. Over the last two years I have had the privilege of helping five children during a traumatic time in their young lives. While circumstances can be challenging, this work is important. Every child deserves to have an advocate just for them. They need a voice. I invite you to please consider being that voice. Training in the North Country will begin in Littleton on Sept. 4. Check out www.casanh.org to learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child.

Sincerely,

Nicole M. Plourde
Berlin NH