Plains West CASA Inducts Six Advocates

When a person enters the court system, stress tends to go up and the definition of normal quickly changes.

When a child is in the court system, the stress level can get even higher. Environments thought to be safe and sanctuary are no longer. Confusion and doubt become part of life.

That is where Plains West CASA enters the picture. Plains West CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) start with one objective: to speak for the child. CASA volunteers, advocates, are everyday citizens of the area who care about children enough to get involved when a child needs them. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. The advocate's duties are to ensure the child they are assigned to does not get overwhelmed within the court system.

"I feel like every child needs a voice, and not every child has someone," said Ashley Fritz.

Fritz is one of six new advocates sworn in before the Hon. Judge Derek Weimer Monday afternoon.

After the ceremony, the new advocates met at the Plains West CASA office to celebrate the new role.

Prior to the swearing-in, advocates have to complete 30 hours of training. They learn how the court system works, how to communicate with children, and to be the voice for abused or neglected children.

Lori Foster, also a new advocate, said she entered the CASA program because she wanted to work with children.

"I've been helping elderly for several years," she said. "I wanted to turn my attention to children."

Being a help is one reason Carolyn Stoll decided to become an advocate. She said if a person can help one child, make a difference in his or her life, it is worth the effort.

Through the 30 hours of training, each of the new advocates learned something new about their community, and of relating to children. Fritz said she was surprised at what is safe, and what is not., and determining the overall well-being of a child.

Foster learned how little she knew about the needs of Cheyenne County and the town of Sidney. She said living in the area most of her life, she is surprised how much trouble occurs in the area.

Stoll followed Foster's revelation, noting an advocate has to be proactive.

"It's hard to break the cycle, but that's what we have to do," she said.

Six women were sworn in as advocates. Plains West CASA has 16 children without CASA advocates.