Court Appointed Special Advocate
“No man stands so straight
as when he stoops to
help a child."
Every day in Maryland, 22 children are abused or neglected. In our State alone, there are over 10,000 children caught up in the court and child welfare maze because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can’t—or won’t—take care of you. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks. Into these vulnerable children’s lives come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Hopefully, one of these strangers is a CASA volunteer.
“Court Appointed Special Advocates” a volunteer driven program, passionately advocates for abused and neglected children who are caught up in the court and child welfare maze because they are unable to live safely at home. CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court.Our goal is simple – to speak up for every child’s right to a safe, permanent home. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically advocate for one child at a time and commit to staying with the child until placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Since its inception in 2003, CASA has successfully advocated for over 150 local children.
For more information about Lower Shore CASA contact Brigitte Saulsbury, CASA Director, at bsaulsbury@gowoyo.org or visit the National CASA Association website at www.casaforchildren.org.
Become a Ray of Hope in a Child’s Life... Become a CASA volunteer
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New CASAs sworn in
Three new CASA’s were sworn in during a special ceremony at Snow Hill ourthouse yesterday. From left to right are: Cynthia Ilardi (Volunteer Coordinator, Lower Shore CASA), Master Peggy Kent, Brigitte Saulsbury (Director, Lower Shore CASA), Judge Brian Shockley, Rosalind Becton (CASA), Patricia Hammond (CASA), Phyllis Brodsky (CASA), and Pete Buesgens (Department of Social Services Director).
Standing Up, Not Standing By
Response from CASA on Penn State ScandalLower Shore CASA is currently recruiting Court Appointed Special Advocates to stand up for the rights of the children we serve. Our program is funded largely through donations. Please contact Cynthia Ilardi at 410-641-4598 if you believe you could help our cause.
Click Here to Become a CASA Volunteer
