A Voice for the Neglected and Abused

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the 9th Judicial District is one of many Roane County agencies that provide services to children in need.  They provide a powerful voice for abused and neglected children by advocating for each child, within the Court’s jurisdiction, in order to ensure safety, permanency and an opportunity to thrive. Advocates are trained volunteers and are appointed by the court to be the eyes and ears, reporting what investigators and social services may not see.

A court advocate was assigned to the case of a (3) year old little boy whose mother was drug addicted and who was pregnant with another child. The (3) year old was placed with the paternal grandparents temporarily. Then the same advocate was assigned to the newborn little girl who was born addicted to opioids due to the mothers drug use during the pregnancy. The biological parents were uncooperative with the courts and the family in getting these children into a safe home. The biological mother was threatening and physically abusive to her family during this process. Roane County United Way partner agency’s advocate was persistent in supporting the families by being available to them during duration of the court proceedings offering moral support and generally showing them that someone was on the side of the child. After threats had been made, by the biological parents, of stealing the child away, supervised visitation was ordered by the court and the advocate was used as extra eyes on the child until the court closed the case. Helping to keep this child and others alike safe and in a healthy environment.

 

 

Skills

Posted on

December 2, 2015