News and Events
CASA Recognizes Long-Standing Advocate
As CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Northwest Arkansas marks its 13th year serving abused and neglected children in foster care, we look to recognize volunteer child advocates who have been with the organization almost since our doors opened. One such advocate is Janet Poole, who has been with CASA for ten plus years, advocating for more than 20 children during that time.
Janet, with two adopted children of her own, was always grateful that her children were blessed with happy, secure and safe childhoods. She knew that not all children were so blessed, and wanted to help some of those children have the same opportunities. Janet looked to CASA as a way to fulfill that mission.
Janet’s first case involved three children under the age of four, who eventually were successfully reunited with their mother. This mother had been a drug addict for ten years, and was in prison for a good deal of the time that her case was open. Janet worked with the parole office to help develop a parole plan that would help and encourage the mother to stay off drugs and leave her “old” life behind, to the benefit of her children. Janet found a facility that accepted mothers and children who were in similar circumstances, and was instrumental in arranging for the mother to stay there. Janet continued to work to help this mother become stable. She encouraged the woman to get back in touch with her mother, which she did, and re-established that bond.
A CASA works in the best interests of the child, or children, on a case, but also works to encourage and support parents if they are making an honest effort to correct the reasons their children came into foster care. Sometimes this can be accomplished, and that, as Janet will attest, is always a welcome outcome.
Janet says “I’ve had a lot of frustrations along the way, but I always remind myself I’m doing this for the children, that I’m there for that goal. Children in foster care situations are something the public does not really know about, or realize the enormity of the problem of abuse and neglect. Casa is one ray of sunshine, and makes a big difference in these cases.”
To learn more about CASA of Northwest Arkansas, and how you can help, please visit our Website at www.nwacasa.org or call the office at (479) 725-2213
Distinguished Community Member Celebrates 10 Years
of Service at CASA of Northwest Arkansas
Springdale, AR – July 29, 2010 – CASA of Northwest Arkansas is honored to recognize Susan Duke as a dedicated CASA volunteer advocate for the past ten years. Susan is a well respected member of our community and is instrumental in increasing awareness of CASA in our area. She plays a major role in recruiting volunteers and securing donations for our annual Christmas for a Child party for children in foster care. As a former foster parent herself, Susan understands how the system works and the vitality of CASA’s mission.
Susan has served a number of foster children in Benton County, but one case that truly stands out is one to which she has been assigned since November 2001. Throughout this nine year case, Susan has played a vital role in the development of the child. Through regular visits and uncovering lost family members, Susan has created a close relationship and will forever be seen as a role model in this foster child’s eyes.
When asked, “Why be a CASA?” Susan responds, “When a child is not receiving the care and security they need and deserve, a CASA stands in the gap and advocates for that child and their needs. It is a privilege to act on behalf of a child!”
Crystal Vickmark, Executive Director, describes Susan’s involvement by saying, “Susan has played an instrumental role in the growth of our program over the last ten years. She is a passionate advocate for children and has recruited several new volunteers who have mirrored her passion as well. What I find amazing is that Susan has remained the advocate for one of her CASA children for nearly nine years. The goal of our program is to advocate for a child until they are placed in a safe, permanent home. Since Susan's CASA child is still in foster care, Susan remains her advocate. When the system and her family failed this child, Susan remains.”
CASA of NWA, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization located in Springdale and is committed to recruiting and maintaining diverse volunteers, staff, and board of directors. CASA volunteers are trained, court-appointed special advocates whose sole responsibility is to make contact with everyone involved in the child’s life and gather the facts. The advocate reports the facts to the judge and recommend what they believe to be in the best interests of the child. In most cases the CASA is the bridge between all parties, and they become a constant presence in a child’s life; a child who may have been introduced to multiple case workers and foster homes. For more information please contact CASA of NWA, Inc. at 479-725-2213 or online at www.nwacasa.org