jubilationtcornpone, 2 years ago

If I had the time, I would volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). What’s a “court appointed special advocate” you ask? Well, when kids go through the family court system, often because they’ve been removed from their home for their own welfare, entered the foster care system, etc. the court assigns them an “advocate”. The advocate’s job is to build a rapport with the child, check in with them regularly, appear with them in court, keep the court updated on how things are going, and even make recommendations to the judge regarding the child’s care. As an advocate, you represent the child and only the child. You get to be a voice for them in this process.

It’s a hard job and it can require a strong stomach. Kids who wind up in the court system have often been through hell. Some of the things you’ll see and hear are awful and will make you feel sad or angry. Some people can be incredibly cruel even to their own children. I’d like to do this myself at some point because I think if I were able to help make even one kids life a little better, it would be worth it.