A need to give back to the community is one of the most common reasons people decide to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA for short.  For Cheryl Peeler of Bonham, it was this reason and some personal observations of the foster care system that drove her to become a CASA several years ago.

Peeler’s son and his wife are foster parents.  She saw that “sometimes the children they have fostered didn't seem to really have anyone looking out for them on a personal level.  The children didn't really have a relationship with anyone that would listen to them and talk through issues, make recommendations, etc.” 

Peeler completed 34 hours of training at the Fannin County Children’s Center to become a CASA advocate.  This training prepares volunteer advocates to serve as Guardian ad Litems for children in foster care.  In that role, child advocates visit their children regularly, meet with parents and other concerned family members and communicate with caseworkers from Children’s Protective Services (CPS) and the child’s attorney ad litem.  They also attend meetings and each court hearing in order to speak up for the child’s best interest.

A favorite part of the work for Peeler is “knowing that I have an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a child.”  She also has enjoyed getting to know people in the legal system and attending “Justice Is Served,” which is the Children’s Center’s annual fundraising dinner and auction.

“Delivering Christmas gifts is also an amazing and fun experience,” added Peeler.

Being a CASA does have some challenges.  Peeler said some of her cases have been very time consuming, so she has had to work at finding a balance between her volunteering, family time and work.

According to staff, CASA cases usually call for 10-15 hours of time per month.  Much of the case work can be done whenever is best for the volunteer.  Like Peeler, many CASA volunteers successfully juggle their volunteering with full-time jobs and families.  For volunteers who work full time, some flexibility is needed to attend court hearings and other meetings during the daytime hours.

A new volunteer training session is scheduled to begin soon.  Sessions will be held in the evenings from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. on June 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 25 & 27.  Participants who successfully complete the 34 hour training will be sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates/ Guardian ad Litems on June 28.  

Applications, background checks and personal interviews must be completed before the training begins on June 10.  For an application or more information, call (903) 583-4339 or visit www.fanninccc.org .