First group of children's advocates sworn in
CASA adds nine volunteers
By BEAU WILCOX
Log Cabin Staff Writer
Sunday, March 11, 2001

By Beau Wilcox
Friday was a landmark day for the Court Appointed Special Advocates program. The first nine volunteers from the 20th Judicial District were sworn in at the Faulkner County Courthouse.

Juvenile Judge Linda P. Collier performed the honors and told the group that their efforts to help the plight of children would be invaluable.

"I cannot tell you what this is going to mean to the juvenile court and to the children," Judge Collier said. "You may very well save a life before the year 2001 is over."

CASA is a private, nonprofit organization whose volunteers represent children in the juvenile court system. These children have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect in order to find them permanent safe homes.

The CASA volunteer stays with the child during this transition to ensure the family is receiving services such as counseling or drug rehabilitation and that parents are following court orders.

In addition to Judge Collier's endorsement, former state Sen. Stanley Russ lavished praise upon the efforts of Judge Collier, Diane Robinson, the state director of CASA, and the volunteers. Judge Collier had extended credit to Russ for being "the main man for getting this organization" to Faulkner County.

"I want to commend anybody engaged in this program," Russ said, and after acknowledging Mrs. Robinson's "tenacity" and Judge Collier's "interest and compassion," he reserved his highest praise for the first round of volunteers.

"You are the heroes in our society," he said, "and I say that sincerely."

Executive Director Laura Strope said she was thrilled that the day had finally arrived, especially in light of the volunteers' tremendous zeal and willingness to serve.

"I call them my 'dream team' -- my first nine," she said. "I could not be more pleased."

Mrs. Robinson seconded her colleague's ringing endorsement.

"We're excited to have it here," she said. "Faulkner County has been so supportive of this program.

"Our first nine volunteers are dedicated, committed -- they've really been fantastic. This is going to help the kids in our community, and that's what it's all about."

Mrs. Strope said the swearing-in ceremony will become an annual event. Volunteers will not have specific terms of service, but they can be renewed each year as they wish.

She added that the program has already proven popular enough to warrant more responses than can be accommodated.

"I already have a waiting list for the next group, which is great," she said.

Training sessions for volunteers will be conducted "at least every three months," Mrs. Strope said. She said the composition of the first group is tremendously encouraging.

"They're all professionals in the community, very proactive for children," she said. "There's numerous ones that are educators that can assist with meeting the child's needs."

The nine sworn in Friday were Sheila Beaston, Gary Burdin, Carol Gray, Nita McCracken, Cindy Miller, Dr. Paul Peterson, Dr. Chris Spatz, Dr. Thea Spatz and Dr. Warfield Teague. Mrs. Strope was also sworn in as executive director.