Rotary Club president John Grant started the June 12th meeting of the Paulding County Rotary Club by welcoming our guest speaker, Christy Wilson. Mrs. Wilson works for the Paulding County CASA program. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate which is a volunteer organization that provides specialized training in the court system, foster care, and investigation.
Ms. Wilson took the podium and went on to explain that when a child is involved in a legal situation where the welfare of that child is called into question the court relies on the advocate to investigate and advise on what is in the best interest of that child. CASA will get to know the child and investigate the circumstances surrounding that child. All investigative observations are taken into account as they report to the judge. This information allows the court to make the best decision concerning the child's welfare. When a child has to be relocated family members are sought out first with the hopes of finding a stable and familiar environment. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not the case in foster care is required. These decisions are not made lightly and CASA volunteers are crucial to providing the court with the information needed to make these decisions.
Drugs and drug-related crimes are during our society apart one family at a time. This national crisis is having a terrible impact on children and adolescents. The advocacy which CASA is providing the court system is crucial to protecting these children from some terrible situations. Paste that relies on donations and community support to effectively operate. Paulding County is no exception to the drug crisis, crime, and destruction experienced across our nation. These advocates are doing their best provide stability, safety, and intervention.
Paulding County currently has approximately 70 CASA volunteers working with our courts at this time on approximately 120 in care. Ms. Wilson took questions from the club and explain the goals of the organization locally and nationally. They work with other groups in our community and with DFCS. Ms. Wilson thanked the Rotary club for their thousand dollars contribution and express gratitude for the opportunity to talk about CASA and their mission.