New CASA volunteers sworn in to advocate for children

NEWKIRK — On Jan. 25, the Honorable Judge Bandy swore in Samantha Moran as a CASA volunteer — a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.

The newly appointed CASA volunteer joins 32 other dedicated 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 advocate for the best interest of the child through attending court hearings and submitting written reports to the presiding judge.

“Our volunteers pledge to stay with each child until the case is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home,” said Sharon Mocabee-Sisco, Program Director for CASA of Kay and Noble Counties. “The advocate is often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life.”

With more than 300 children in Kay and Noble Counties in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, 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 Kay and Noble Counties begins Feb. 12. 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 Sharon Mocabee-Sisco or Kelli Morgan at (580) 762-8341.

CASA of Kay and Noble Counties is a member of the National CASA Association, a network of more than 900 CASA programs serving children in 49 states and Washington, D.C.