The CASA Project honored Karen Strouse with the Peppy Klein Award at the 23
rd Annual Meeting held June 16 at the Worcester Public Library. The award is presented to the individual “who best exemplifies the spirit and characteristics which made Peppy a dedicated volunteer, respected Community Leader and trusted friend.”
Karen has been married to Melvin for 39 years. Together they raised six children and are the proud grandparents of seven. Their first great grandchild is due in December. Karen graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Human Resources and Management. She has been the Director of Human Resources for the Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts since 1997. In her spare time Karen knits, collects stamps with her husband and swims at the YWCA.
Karen was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in March 1998. When asked why she chose to volunteer for the agency Karen said that once she cut her work schedule from 80 hours per week to a more manageable 60 she wanted to “indulge her desire to do volunteer work in an appropriate setting.” Karen learned about CASA at a United Way presentation. She did not think that it was coincidence that her schedule became more flexible at the same time she heard about CASA. In her application, Karen said, “I believe I can help and that I belong with the group.”
Who are CASA Volunteers? Ordinary people who care about kids.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life – from a variety of educational, professional, and cultural backgrounds.. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people. Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a time. No legal expertise is required.In the last six years Karen has served on six cases involving fifteen children ranging in age from eighteen months to fourteen years. Whenever she becomes too frustrated or infuriated Karen turns to her supervisor for guidance. Gracie Gaskin reminds her that progress can be slow and that Karen’s work is essential as we try to move these boys and girls into safe permanent homes.
Becoming a CASA volunteer does take Commitment, Objectivity, Good Communication Skills and Training:
Commitment
When you take on a case, you assume an important role in a child’s life. We ask for a one-year commitment, some cases last longer. The amount of time you invest will vary depending on the stage of the proceedings and the complexity of the case.
Objectivity
The volunteer’s role is to represent the best interests of the child. This may not always be what the child wants. CASA volunteers talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective in their recommendations. While they will establish a relationship with the child, the CASA volunteer’s role is not to become a companion or friend to the child.
Good Communication Skills
Volunteers must be able to talk with a wide variety of people including healthcare professionals, school officials and parents. Volunteers present written reports to the judge and may be called upon to testify in court.
Training
CASA programs provide in-depth training on subjects such as of the court process, child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, advocacy and interviewing techniques, and public health topics.
By handling only one or two cases at a time (compared to a Department of Social Services Social Worker whose case load is 20-25 cases, or an attorney who may have 75-80 cases,) the CASA volunteer has the time to thoroughly research the history of each assigned case.
The abused and neglected children in Worcester County are thrust into an under-funded, overburdened court and child welfare system. This complex network of lawyers, social workers and judges are frequently too busy to pay close attention to each case they handle. The children may be the victims of violent psychological torment or sexual abuse. Others may have been neglected or even abandoned by their own parents. Most are frightened and confused.
The CASA volunteer offers the child who has been abused or neglected the best chance to navigate the court and social service system without becoming further victimized. It provides the child with a powerful voice in court and the community. Every child who needs a CASA volunteer deserves the opportunity to have one.
