Page 16 - July 2020 Issue.indd

New CASA’s Sworn In Judge Newell welcomed the new volunteers, along with CASA
of Caroline Executive Director, Shelly Kulp and Director of
On Wednesday, June 10, CASA of Caroline proudly welcomed Outreach & Partnerships, Amy Horne, and shared his opinion
three new Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volun- about the importance of their work. “We have one case, in
teers who were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Jonathan particular, that has gone on far too long, but the one constant
Newell. Sworn in were: Ann Anthony, Julie Quick and Richard in the youth’s life has been the CASA volunteer. CASA provides

Warfi eld. These 3 committed individuals began their 30-hour a unique perspective on things the system just can’t do.” He
pre-service training on March 2 at the CASA of Caroline went on to say, “I can tell you for myself and the Magistrate,

offices. When asked why she wanted to be a CASA volunteer, your opinion is always valued and appreciated and never

Ms. Anthony said, “It’s my love for children and wanting to taken lightly.” After his opening remarks, Judge Newell asked

be used by God to reach the lost, the hurting, unloved and each of the new volunteers to raise their right hand while he
abused children. My mission is to show Christ’s love to the administered the oath from behind a plexiglass partition. He
children who feel forgotten and unwanted and let them know then congratulated the new CASAs and said, “Yours is a labor
they matter and have value!” Mrs. Quick echoed that sentiment of love and it is much needed.”
saying “Really, it’s an opportunity to show God’s love to others
The ceremony may not have had the usual pomp and circum-

in a tangible and meaningful way”.
stance but it had every bit as much excitement! Th e newly
On March 30, Governor Hogan issued the stay-at-home order. appointed CASAs are officially permitted to advocate for
But the Covid-19 Pandemic was not going to stop these three abused and neglected children in Caroline County who have
from completing the course in order to serve children in the been removed from their homes and placed in the foster care
Caroline County Foster Care System! “Our new volunteers system. As officers of the court, they ensure the children’s needs

are eager to begin their work as advocates. We are so grateful are recognized and best interests are considered in both the
for their passion and commitment to the families in Caroline courtroom and the community. Their sworn oath binds them

County”, said CASA of Caroline’s Executive Director Shelly to advocating for the best interest of the child when the court
Kulp. orders them to do so. “By adding these three new volunteers,
CASA of Caroline is better able to meet the needs of children

The training class was moved online on April 16. “We have
and youth in foster care”, said Kulp. CASA of Caroline now has
been working hard to transition to virtual learning and our
14 trained and active volunteer advocates.
new volunteers have been fully engaged in the training process.
We actually began to look forward to our weekly online discus- The Covid-19 pandemic has created conditions for a potential

sions and found that virtual meetings could be just as fun as rise in child abuse and neglect. Anxiety about health, educa-

meeting face-to-face!”, said Kulp. Th e final session was held via tion and finances is high. Children aren’t seeing the teachers,

Google Hangouts on May 7 but the courts remained closed counselors and other adults who normally raise concerns about
due to the pandemic. Recognizing the need for new CASA their well-being. The role of a CASA (Court-Appointed Special

volunteers in Caroline County, Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Advocate) volunteer is more vital now than ever. New CASA
Newell agreed to a small ceremony with face mask and social Rich Warfi eld said, “I fi nd there is no better way to avoid the
distancing guidelines in place. anxiety and confusion brought on by times like these than by
focusing on helping meet the needs of others, particularly the

most vulnerable.” Mrs. Quick added, “The family unit is the
foundation of our society, and CASA not only protects children
but, in doing so, helps to lift up those struggling families”. We

are very grateful to Rich, Julie and Ann for their dedication and
commitment – welcome to our team!

Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child in the
Caroline County Foster Care System? Become a CASA of
Caroline volunteer! Our new online training program is so
user friendly and can be started at any time. If you’re interested
in learning more, please visit www.carolinecasa.org for infor-
mation and an application or call 410-479-8301. Every child
deserves a chance and that chance could be you!

The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention funded this project under

sub-award number CJAC-2019-0004 and VOCA-2018-0063. All points of view
in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the

official position of any State or Federal Agency. This project is supported by a

grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Administrative Office of the Courts number
AOC-G20CA0225I.

Pictured left to right: Richard (Rich) Warfi eld,
Julie Quick, and Ann Anthony.
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