Be the Voice for an Abused Child -- Become a CASA Volunteer Advocate

In June, an 18-year-old girl who spent the entirety of her teenage years in and out of foster care walked across the stage with her graduating class, ending a chapter of her life that had more ups and downs than people her age should endure.

She was removed from her home due to her mother’s drug addiction when she was 10 years old, and has said at the time she blamed herself for her mother’s problems. Today, she credits the CASA advocate she had by her side for helping to guide her through a long and difficult period of her life.

This summer, she worked as a camp counselor before she starts her next chapter: college this fall.

“CASA has really shaped me into who I am today,” she said. “I know that if it wasn’t for having an advocate in court, or having someone who is really a mentor beside me I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today. They’ve really inspired me to follow after my dreams and to never give up.”

The sad reality, is her circumstances are not unique. Each year in New Hampshire, more than 1,000 children face similar turmoil. They come from abusive or neglectful homes where instability is a way of life. When the state intervenes, each child is appointed someone to advocate on behalf of their best interests. When available, that person is a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a volunteer guardian ad litem who is appointed by the court to get to know the child and report back about what is happening in the child’s life and make recommendations about what’s best for the child to have a successful future.

CASA volunteer advocates come from all walks of life. They are have a wide-range of professional backgrounds, they work full or part-time, are retired or empty-nesters. They are provided professional training and ongoing support by the CASA staff. They are caring, compassionate members of communities in every corner of the state looking for a way to give back in a meaningful way, to help a child in a difficult situation.

Due in large part to the opioid epidemic gripping New Hampshire, the need for more advocates is critical. Statewide, CASA has seen more than a 20 percent increase in cases since this time last year and more volunteers are needed, particularly on the Seacoast, to advocate for victimized children.

Beginning Sept. 12, CASA of New Hampshire is holding a training in Dover for new volunteers in the region. This comprehensive training covers everything from how to connect with children and the important people in their lives, to resources available for the children, court procedures and how to write a court report, an overview of legal procedures and protections, resources and support available to volunteers and more.

Join a community of passionate volunteers where you can use your own professional skills and life experiences while making a difference in the life of a victimized child.

For more information, or to apply now to volunteer as a CASA advocate, visit www.casanh.org. Questions? Call 626-4600 or email speakup@casanh.org