This year, Jerry Hoover has contributed to FBC’s “Serve 2015” project by volunteering as a CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate through Child Advocates. Here are some of his thoughts about the experience:
Clik here to view.
“Zeke” not real name
In the summer of 2010, after I had returned from a 40 day road trip to the Pacific Northwest, as my springboard into retirement, I was searching for what would I,…..could I,…..should I do with my newly available gift of time. I wanted to find a new calling where I would keep active, be useful, stay engaged, and have fun…….but I wasn’t sure exactly what that would be. I explored several options; and I tried a few…..and found one that I am still doing today. I am a CASA…….a Court Appointed Special Advocate…..a volunteer for Child Advocates – I am the voice of children in Marion County that have been removed from their parents (because of neglect or abuse) and are: “wards of the court”. I advocate for them as they navigate the system of DCS, Juvenile Court, foster homes, rehabilitation facilities, relative care, termination of parental rights, therapists, and, and, and change, change, change.
Clik here to view.
“Amanda” (not real name)
For me, it is a calling that Jesus promoted – to be His heart, hands, and feet…..for children who cannot always speak for themselves. It is work that will tug at ALL your emotions…….some very positive and some – not so much. But, I get to make a difference in a young life that has been a dealt a crummy hand, through no fault of their own…..and that seems important, worthwhile work to me.
One of my cases is with a young man I’ll call Zeke. I met Zeke when he was 11. He’s 16 now, and has been in “the system” since he was 7……there were 3 substantiated findings of abuse and neglect including physical and sexual abuse by his biological father. Zeke’s IQ is about 60; he suffers from PTSD and a variety of behavioral disorders. He had been in 13 placements (facilities and foster homes) from 2005-2011. In 2011, we found a foster mom for Zeke that had made a career of working with adults with mental disabilities……and she had a calling for helping teenage boys as a foster parent. Zeke is still living with her and getting lots of professional help (mentoring services, therapy, tutoring, etc). The stability of almost 5 years in the same placement has transformed Zeke’s life. He feels loved…..and his behavior, while not without occasional problems, is much, much improved. He goes to special education classes, plays sports, and has friends. He hopes to be a bricklayer and live in an adult group home when he is older. It has been a joy to be part of finding “just the right placement” for Zeke.
On another case, Amanda was removed from her home when she only a few months old – for “failure to thrive”. She had been born prematurely at home and suffered from a variety of medical issues including “dysphagia” – no swallowing function. So she was on a feeding tube – 1st a nasal tube; then a surgically implanted gastro-tube. Her biological parents had not completed high school and were not intellectually equipped to understand and perform the various medical needs of their daughter. Despite exhaustive efforts to provide the parents with training, coaching and assistance, they never developed the skills necessary to adequately care for their daughter. We found a family that wanted to adopt Amanda……one that understood the medical challenges – they already had raised an adopted child that also had needed a feeding tube for many of her early years. So while Amanda continues to have medical challenges, she is being raised by a family that is capable and willing to provide her with the care and help she needs…….they love her……and Amanda is thriving.
I feel blessed to have been able to be a part of Zeke’s and Amanda’s story…..and help find a home for them that could help them become all that God wants for them…..to make the most of the hand that life dealt them. As a CASA, I have no other agenda than advocating for whatever is in the best interest of the child. No policies, no budgets, or agendas constrain me…..I am for the CHILD – period.
CASA’s have a lot of flexibility regarding their case load, hours, timing, methods, approach and recommendations. They get unbelievable support from Child Advocates in the form of training, encouragement, and supervisory help from their assigned MSW Guardian ad Litem. There are ALWAYS more CASA’s needed……….way too many children that need help from an adult who cares and wants the best for them. If you want to volunteer for an organization that values you and work on something where you can personally make a difference in the life of a child…….and want to be the heart, hands and feet of Jesus…….become a CASA…..to help your Zeke and Amanda.
We encourage all FBC members to find a place to serve, whether as a CASA or with another organization that touches your heart. We are thankful to God for the service of all our members, and we would love to hear your stories, too!
If you are interested in a one-time service opportunity, contact Jack Campbell about volunteering at the CASA Superhero Run on Saturday, June 27, benefiting Child Advocates of Central Indiana.