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New Court Volunteers Advocate for Berks Children

Story written by Nancy McCullar

Jan 11, 2023

CASA of Berks County swears in the 16th class of volunteers for a team of 52 court-appointed special advocates.

“I want to make sure that children are heard and that they are safe.” Says newly sworn-in child advocate Jessyca Garlic. Jessyca received a BA degree in addiction and mental health from Alvernia University and is currently a graduate student in social work at Kutztown University. “I want to help children receive the support and services they need. I look forward to serving as a CASA Advocate.”

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a program that trains volunteers to work with abused and neglected children. Their task is to listen, learn, and report back to the court what is in the best interest of keeping them safe and nurtured.

Jessyca Garlic was sworn in as an official CASA advocate with four others during a court ceremony on November 29, 2022. The group makes up the 16th class of volunteers since CASA Berks County was founded in 2015. They join CASA advocates already on duty to comprise a team of 55 Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Nan Dunford, one of those sworn in with Jessyca, has a MA in Public Administration and over 25 years of experience managing local governments in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. When asked why she wanted to become a CASA volunteer advocate, she said, “So I can help at least one child have a happier and better life.”

This sentiment is echoed by the other three advocates sworn into service by Judge Tina Boyd. Shanon Levin, a federal lawyer, explained, “I recently moved to Berks County and wanted to get involved in my new community. I volunteered for CASA to advocate for kids whose voices may not otherwise be heard.” Kathleen Stone, a Reading native, currently works with the adult justice population. In her work, she learned the impact of early trauma on adult lives. “I want to be a change agent for children.” Sierra Shoener wants to become a CASA advocate for nearly the same reason, “I want to be a positive light in a child’s life.” Sierra comes to CASA after serving as an Engagement Specialist licensing service providers. She now works for the PA Child Abuse helpline.

CASA volunteers serve as an extension of the eyes and ears of the judge in dependency court cases. Volunteers undergo more than 30 hours of training that includes observing dependency court hearings. After being sworn in, a CASA is appointed by a judge to advocate for the child’s best interests.

The CASA stays with the child until they reside in a safe, permanent home and their case is closed. CASA volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, teachers, family members, and others to ensure the judges have all the information they need to make potentially life-changing decisions for each child.

Judge Art Grim (retired) serves on the CASA Board of Directors and said, “With 30 years as a Judge, I’ve always been concerned about abuse, both on an adult and child level. I spent my days in Juvenile Court. So many of the young people I saw came from abusive families. That is what drives me to support what CASA does. I have so much respect for the CASA approach.”

Jacob Slick was out of town during this ceremony and was sworn in by Judge Boyd a few days later. Jacob had a close friend during childhood who was in and out of foster care. Sadly, his friend committed suicide when a teen. Looking back on his friend’s life, Jacob realized his friend needed stability and adult guidance. So when asked about why CASA? Jacob said, “I can’t shake the feeling that if my friend had had an adult in his life that he felt comfortable talking to, he might still be here today. When I read about the CASA program, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to fulfill that “source of stability” role in a way that I wasn’t able to fill as a kid.”

There are nearly 400 children in Berks County who are in foster care. They all could use a child advocate. Those interested in becoming a volunteer child advocate must submit clearances and references and attend an 8- week training course. The next class begins on February 23, 2023. Interested in learning more? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Christa Yeager by email: [email protected]

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