| A Voice for a Child is Heard
Hancock
County Voices for Children (formely CASA) has served as
a voice for children in many cases over the years.
Without the help of these advocates, so many children
would not have been clearly heard. One case that came
through the Hancock County court system, exemplifies
exactly what an impact involvement of a CASA/GAL can
mean for a child:
Michelle was a four-year-old child whose parents had
never been married and whose residences were in two
different states. When CASA became involved in the
custody case, Michelle’s mother had indicated her intent
to move out of state with the child to reside with a
friend. Michelle’s father remained in a local residence
and expressed concern to the court and CASA regarding
the effects of the move upon the child, as well as
concerns regarding the mother’s contact with people with
criminal histories. The mother still chose to move;
Michelle was left in the care of her father, and
Michelle’s parents arranged for her to spend alternating
six week increments with each parent, with exchanges at
a halfway point between states. The entire arrangement
posed parenting time challenges and other risks for
Michelle, which greatly concerned the CASA/GAL.
The CASA/GAL diligently continued the investigation
into what was going on in Michelle’s life and what
needed to be done to see that her needs were being met
and her best interests were being looked after. Shortly
thereafter, through the CASA/GAL’s investigation, it was
discovered that a five-year-old child in the mother’s
residence had allegedly been struck by someone in the
mother’s home. Based on information gained, the CASA/GAL
made a motion with the court to request that Michelle
not be returned to that unsafe environment. Thanks to
the CASA/GAL, the motion was granted and Michelle was
not only protected and visits with her mother out of
state suspended by the court; but the five-year-old
child in that home was also kept out of that
environment, in part due to CASA involvement with
Michelle. A 15-year-old child in the same out-of-state
home was also given the benefit of an investigation into
the safety of the home.
Just think…because of the CASA advocate being appointed
to serve one child; three children ultimately received
intervention when needed and had their “voices heard” as
well! Imagine being a child involved in a situation as
described above. Imagine being a part of improving that
child’s situation. Imagine what a difference each and
every CASA/GAL can make for children!
Hancock County Voices for Children is a
United Way Partner Agency |
