Valley CASA program swears in new volunteer child advocates

PALMER -- Seven new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in on April 18 by Superior Court Judge Beverly Cutler.

Taking the oath to "always keep uppermost the importance of protecting the best interests of the children I represent" were Chris Drashner, Mary Hall, Marty Harbarger, Susan Luebke, Jerry Sommers, Janice Sommers, and Merry Sutton.

CASA volunteers are appointed to advocate for the best interests of children in court as a result of abuse or neglect.

As the child's advocate, CASA volunteers research the background of the child's family, speak for the child in court, and act as a "watchdog" for the child during the life of the case, ensuring that it is brought to a swift and appropriate conclusion.

Volunteers undergo thorough screening and complete more than 30 hours of training prior to taking a case.

There are nearly 200 CASA volunteers in Alaska, and more than 58,000 volunteers nationwide.

For more information on the Valley CASA Program, contact Pam Holen, the volunteer coordinator, at 761-3737 or visit the Office of Public Advocacy's Alaska CASA Program Web site at www.alaskacasa.org.

To nominate someone for the volunteer spotlight, or to have news about your volunteer organization published, please e-mail submissions to valleylife@frontiersman.com or mail them to 5751 E. Mayflower Ct., Wasilla, AK 99654. The volunteer spotlight runs every Tuesday in the Frontiersman's Valley Life section.