Today, I was sworn in by Judge Willie Lovett as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Fulton County Juvenile Court. I've spent the last couple of months training online in the evenings and in person on Saturday mornings leading up to today's ceremony. I've learned a great deal not just about the juvenile justice system, but also about what it is to be a child in foster care.
In this volunteer role, I'll be charged with advocating for a child (or children) in the system by diligently researching a case, interviewing all parties involved in the case, seeking objective answers to questions pertinent to the case, and preparing written reports for the judge to review and providing recommendations to the judge about the child's placement, both temporary and permanent. I am for the child. I am specifically volunteering on behalf of and in the best interests of the child.
This will surely be an incredibly challenging role, yet also a very rewarding one. With my own unexpected, bumpy road this past year, I have somehow managed to stay on track - with the goal always being to provide both of my children with what I hope are remarkably blessed lives, albeit in a way that I never saw coming and never thought possible. So now, in light of my new normal, it seems inconceivable for me to stand on the sidelines when I can contribute to other children's lives in a way I never saw coming and never thought possible. CASA gives me this opportunity and I am so grateful. A little nervous, but grateful.
I must also thank (today and always) both Asa and Ariana for giving me the strength and courage to advocate for them everyday and now also the fortitude to advocate for others that aren't as fortunate. And while I hope to goodness I can help to change the lives of the children I meet, I suspect it will be my life that will once again be changed and enlightened by them.
Other websites of interest: National CASA, Georgia CASA, Fulton County CASA, Fulton County CASA Facebook
3 comments:
Congratulations! You will be the best advocate I can imagine. Your children and these children are so blessed to have someone so loving and giving on their side.
Once again, I stand in awe of your generosity of spirit. I count myself as one of the most fortunate to have you as family, friend, and role model.
Brava, congratulations, and tons of love! Ann
you are AWESOME!!
Post a Comment