There was a last minute change in the program this evening as Program Chair Stacey McMichael explained. She invited and introduced our speaker Sally Rankin, CASA Program Developer. What is CASA -- an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Sally Rankin, CASA Program Developer.
The program is a result of a societal needs related to neglected and abused youth and our judicial system. When a youth enters the judicial system, yes there is a case worker, maybe the parents, the judge, perhaps others who are associated with the specific youth. However, the youth, he or she, needs someone who is an ombudsman, an advocate! Someone who the youth can count on to be there, can talk to and confide in -- someone who cares.
History has shown that if a youth has an advocate, the youth generally approaches school better, relates to their foster parents better, and, many, have a better chance of non-recidivism in the court system. Attitudes change.
Programs like this started around 1990, and today there are more than 900 programs with 70K volunteers (advocates). Worcester Youth and Development Council currently has the program, Somerset and Wicomico do not. In lieu of establishing programs, Worcester plans to expand into Somerset and Wicomico -- and with the Court's blessing. Grants have been submitted and some successfully done. Volunteers' support is there, but more volunteers are needed.
What do advocates do? Who are they? They are adults who represent the youth's best interests, know the youth (likes, dislikes, fears, issues), make recommendations to the court about the youth, know about and support needed services/resources -- are there for the youth.
There is a required 30 hours of training and then periodic community service hours. Those individuals who are advocates -- about 50% of them are seniors age 61+, female, Caucasian.
President John extended thanks to Sally and mentioned that a $25 donation to Polio Plus will be made in her name.
50-50 Drawing
Bobby Malone and, of course, Dave Orem were the winners in tonight's 50/50 drawing, each won $10.
Playing the 50/50 raffle. 
