Guardian ad Litem
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Hi [MENTION=4423]Sriracha[/MENTION],
Thanks for responding. I started the guardian ad litem training and saw the overwhelming odds so many kids deal with. I got a little emotional and wanted to take them all home with me. It was hard for me to be okay with being a person that facilitates help for them when I know so much more is available to help them. I'm looking into big brothers and big sisters now and am considering becoming a foster parent in the future.
Hats off to you for being a guardian ad litem. That is no easy task. Sometimes all it takes is one person that cares enough to make a difference in a kids life. Gee wiz, sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference in anyones life!
For anyone interested here is a link to the guardian ad litem (GAL) /court appointed special advocate (CASA) programs website. These kids need caring people with the time to help. http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm
Thanks [MENTION=4423]Sriracha[/MENTION]
Thanks for responding. I started the guardian ad litem training and saw the overwhelming odds so many kids deal with. I got a little emotional and wanted to take them all home with me. It was hard for me to be okay with being a person that facilitates help for them when I know so much more is available to help them. I'm looking into big brothers and big sisters now and am considering becoming a foster parent in the future.
Hats off to you for being a guardian ad litem. That is no easy task. Sometimes all it takes is one person that cares enough to make a difference in a kids life. Gee wiz, sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference in anyones life!
For anyone interested here is a link to the guardian ad litem (GAL) /court appointed special advocate (CASA) programs website. These kids need caring people with the time to help. http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm
Thanks [MENTION=4423]Sriracha[/MENTION]
[MENTION=5224]Sadie[/MENTION] Awww, I'm sorry you didn't go through with it. It's an awesome program. I think quite honestly what validates I am more ISFJ than INFJ is that I am able to not allow the "big picture" to overwhelm me. I'm glad to take one case and give it my all. Making a difference in one life makes a huge difference. I've had 6 cases over the last 5 years and currently have 3 (tho I need to get back on the bandwagon after the last court session.)
Volunteers are all skilled in different ways. I never allow myself to become emotionally attached to my cases so I can maintain an objective vision. Really though, even though the children are in a bad spot in life I DO see how the system works (and sometimes fails.) What makes the biggest difference is being in an area where the Juvenile Court judge is attentive to what the CASA has to say. Most times they are, b/c we are the only party allowed to provide hearsay on a case. We represent no other interest but the child.
I will also tell you, there have been times I was more prepared than the lawyers who showed up to court (in my private cases, not involving DFCS.) The court would have to side with results based on my findings. That's incredibly empowering. At the same time ... I've been very lucky to have cases that closed, watching the parents go through their court orders, getting their situation straightened out and having the kids returned home to them (in all my meth/neglect cases.) When the parents were working hard, I cheered them on. There is no greater feeling than seeing that eagerness shine.
So please just remember, you can request to your team leader that you prefer to not have certain cases (physical abuse) and/or you prefer to have children within a certain age range.
Volunteers are all skilled in different ways. I never allow myself to become emotionally attached to my cases so I can maintain an objective vision. Really though, even though the children are in a bad spot in life I DO see how the system works (and sometimes fails.) What makes the biggest difference is being in an area where the Juvenile Court judge is attentive to what the CASA has to say. Most times they are, b/c we are the only party allowed to provide hearsay on a case. We represent no other interest but the child.
I will also tell you, there have been times I was more prepared than the lawyers who showed up to court (in my private cases, not involving DFCS.) The court would have to side with results based on my findings. That's incredibly empowering. At the same time ... I've been very lucky to have cases that closed, watching the parents go through their court orders, getting their situation straightened out and having the kids returned home to them (in all my meth/neglect cases.) When the parents were working hard, I cheered them on. There is no greater feeling than seeing that eagerness shine.
So please just remember, you can request to your team leader that you prefer to not have certain cases (physical abuse) and/or you prefer to have children within a certain age range.