EASTON — Local children who live in foster care due to abuse, neglect or abandonment face many challenges in a heavily burdened system. CASA of the Mid-Shore’s volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) help bridge gaps in the system by devoting their time, insight and compassion in an effort to create lasting and positive change for these vulnerable children.

CASA volunteers can help to change a child’s story, paving the way for brighter futures. CASA of the Mid-Shore is currently accepting applications from adults 21 years and older who wish to make a positive difference in their communities.

After participating in screening and pre-service training, a CASA volunteer is assigned to work with one child at a time. CASA volunteers get to know the child, identify the child's needs, review records, work with others involved with the child, attend court hearings, and make recommendations to assist judges in making informed decisions about children’s lives.

CASA volunteers strive to ensure that every child receives needed services, with the ultimate goal of seeing the child placed in a safe, permanent home. Along the way, CASA volunteers give children the messages that their lives are valuable and there is reason to hope for better days ahead.

Dorchester County resident James Pinkett, a retired CASA volunteer, explains that being a CASA volunteer is to be available for your appointed child to spend time together, to listen and to talk. By caring about and speaking up for the child’s wellbeing, situation and future, over time the child learns to trust his CASA volunteer.

Pinkett watched as his assigned child began to feel hopeful, at which point the youth could dream about his future. Pinkett sums up his experience as a CASA volunteer by stating, “To me, to lift up a child’s life, to offer hope, trust and safety, only then can that child begin to believe in a positive future.”

Applications from Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Kent residents interested in becoming CASA volunteers are being accepted now. CASA, an equal opportunity employer, welcomes volunteers from all cultures, professions, ethnicities and educational backgrounds.

There is a need for bilingual volunteers, male volunteers and volunteers from minority communities. Pre-service training, a requirement before one becomes a CASA volunteer, will take place in early fall.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit casamidshore.org or call volunteer coordinator Jane Crawford at 410-822-2866 ext. 6.