The first volunteer meeting of the St. Thomas office of CASA of the Virgin Islands was held in the Legal Services office on Jan. 26. The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association is a non-profit organization which trains volunteers to speak up for children who are involved in court proceedings as victims of child abuse and neglect.
At the first meeting, Project Director, Gail R. Shearer explained that CASA is active across the United States and has been operating on St. Croix since 1994. A new grant from National CASA and an ongoing VOCA grant from Law Enforcement Planning Commission is providing for the expansion to the St. Thomas/St. John and Water Island communities.
Clarrisa R. Belleau, Volunteer Coordinator on St. Thomas is hopeful that as CASA becomes known here, more volunteers will take part in becoming trained to help these young people who so seriously need support. To learn more about CASA, log on to www.casanet.org or call Clarrisa at 774-6720.
A trained CASA volunteer monitors the abuse and neglect case for the judge and prepares a carefully researched progress report of the child's case to help the judge make sound decisions about the child's future.
The CASA volunteer speaks with the child, parents, family members, social workers,school teachers and counselors, foster care providers, health providers and others who are involved with the child. The emphasis is on making sure that services are coordinated, not duplicated, and to insure that the child's needs are being addressed. If you are a service provider to children such as a counselor, tutor, mentor program, after school program, give CASA a call to make sure they know that your services are available as they advocate for these children.
Several projects were discussed to promote and raise monies for the CASA program. A Holiday Art Contest is currently underway to solicit holiday art from school children aged 3-18. All entries must be submitted by Feb. 18. Principals and art teachers have the details, or call CASA if you need more information. The prizewinners will be announced and displayed at Tutu Park Mall on March 11 from 12-3 and at Sunny Isle on March 18.
On April 6, there will be a candlelight ceremony to kick off National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Plans are being made for locations on St. Thomas and St. Croix. A candle will be lit and remain burning during the month of April as a reminder and symbol of hope for all children. CASA is currently looking for donations from individuals, businesses and organizations to sponsor the purchase of electric candles for this event.
The community is encouraged to participate in the ceremony to show our concern for the welfare of our children.
