New CASA volunteers sworn in to advocate for children

Judge Louis Duel swore in three individuals on Wednesday as CASA volunteers—court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children. The newly appointed CASA volunteers included Mandy Bradley, Chris Hirzel and Rick White.

Family and friends gathered in the Logan County Court House to watch the volunteers take an oath promising to advocate for the best interest of the child.

The newly appointed CASA volunteers join 26 other dedicated Logan County community members who have been trained and are advocating for foster children in the county’s juvenile dependency court system. As officers of the court, they ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and best interests are considered both in the courtroom and in the community.

CASA volunteers are asked to meet with the child regularly and are authorized to interview people in the child’s life such as social workers, attorneys, and teachers. They attend court hearings with the child and report their findings to the judge.

“Our volunteers pledge to remain actively involved with each child until the case is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home,” said Ruth Cavins, director of CASA for Kids in Payne and Logan Counties. “The advocate is often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life during this very difficult time.”

With more than 149 children eligible for a CASA volunteer in Logan County, many more advocates are still needed. There are no prerequisites for becoming a CASA volunteer other than being at least 21 years of age, clearing an extensive background screening and successfully completing 30 hours of training.

The next advocate training session for Logan County begins in May and training session are offered several times a year. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the rewards that come along with serving as the voice of a child, please contact Diane Rush or Jo Ewy at 405-260-3772.