New CASA Volunteers Sworn In to Advocate for Children

TOWSON, Md. — On Wednesday, December 2, the Hon. Kathleen Gallogly Cox swore in seven citizens as CASA volunteers—Court-Appointed Special Advocates for CASA of Baltimore County, a nonprofit organization that serves the abused and neglected children of the region.

Those sworn in to serve include: Renee Smith of Towson, Dale Wetzelberger of Lutherville-Timonium, Amanda Greenwood of Parkton, David Freishtat of Monkton; and Wendy Shelew, Jericha Kane, and Nina Wilson of Baltimore.

The newly appointed CASA volunteers join 160 other dedicated community members who have been trained and are advocating for foster children in the county’s juvenile dependency court system. As friends of the court, they ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and best interests are considered both in the courtroom and in the community.

“I chose to become a CASA volunteer because I’ve always loved children and I wanted to give back locally – right here in my own community,” said Kane. “It’s my goal as an advocate to help children change perspective on their own lives and to help them understand that things can and will get better,” she added.

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. They attend court hearings with the child and report their findings to the judge.

“Our volunteers pledge to stay with each child until the case is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home,” said Jennifer Stine, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Baltimore County. “This is an amazing group of caring, passionate, and dedicated men and women, and we look forward to assigning each of them to a child in need”.

With almost 400 children waiting for a CASA volunteer, many more advocates are still needed. There are no prerequisites for becoming a CASA volunteer other than being at least 21 years of age, clearing an extensive background screening and successfully completing 30 hours of training.

“The training program was excellent and really provided me with the tools I needed to be helpful to my CASA child,” commented Schelew, who was recently assigned to the case of a 17 year old girl who has had difficult sustaining relationships and performing well in school due to mental health issues. “In my short time as a CASA volunteer I’ve already learned so much about these children and what they need to succeed in life; I look forward to helping my CASA child successfully transition into the next phase of her journey,” she added.

The next advocate training session for CASA of Baltimore County begins January 19, 2016. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the rewards that come along with serving as the voice of a child, please contact Gwen Farrugia at info@casabaltco.org or 410-828-0515.

About CASA of Baltimore County

Since 2000, CASA of Baltimore County has provided the powerful voice of volunteer advocates for children who have been removed from their parents’ or guardians’ care due to abuse and neglect. The organization has trained more than 300 volunteers who have worked to improve the future for children.

Photo Caption

(From L to R) Renee Smith; Nina Wilson; Jericha Kane; Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox; Dale Wetzelberger; Amanda Greenwood; Wendy Schelew; David Freishtat.