Ten years ago, Mary Ann Craig, the Executive Director of CASA of Sebastian County, had no idea that a book would change her life and lead her to her life’s calling.
“I read ‘A Child Called It’ and knew I had to do something to advocate for abused children,” shared Craig. “I had heard of CASA before I read the book.  I found CASA of Sebastian County and signed up for Volunteer training.  I wanted to make a difference for at least one child.  Ten years later, when I look back it was definitely a calling.  Now, I can’t even imagine doing anything else! I did it to change one child’s life and I cannot tell you much my own life has been impacted and changed by CASA children.”
CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a volunteer who is trained on how experiencing abuse, neglect and other forms of trauma can impact children’s physical and mental health, academic achievement, and more.  The support of a CASA Volunteer/Advocate can help children build resilience to counter those impacts. Â
“Having a caring adult advocate for their best interest can make a lasting difference for a child who’s been neglected or abused,” added Craig. “For many of the children that we serve, their CASA Advocate will be the ONE constant in an otherwise chaotic life.  CASA Advocates work to help each child reach a safe and forever home, whether that is reunification with their family of origin or through adoption.”
Sebastian County CASA is comprised of volunteers from ages 21 to 80 plus. Staff members include Advocate Supervisors, Denise Basham, Shannon Kelleher, and Shannon Gordon, all of whom started out as CASA volunteers.
“Sebastian County has had, at most times this year, over 450 children in foster care,” Craig shared. “Four hundred and fifty children, who have been neglected or abused, in our own neighborhoods!  Four hundred and fifty children who need someone to advocate for their best interest. Sebastian County CASA has typically only been able to serve less than half of these precious children due to not having enough CASA volunteers! Right now, we have 65 CASA Volunteers and honestly, we need at least double that to serve all the children in our county. The thing I hate most about this is that we have to say ‘no’ to waiting children due to the need for more volunteers.  Every child in foster care deserves an advocate!”
​April is Child Abuse Awareness month, a time to highlight child abuse/neglect, raise awareness and bring attention to the need for CASA volunteers. Â
If you are interested in learning more about becoming involved in CASA, you can contact the county office at 479-785-4171.  Someone will be happy to answer any questions you may have about becoming a CASA Volunteer/Advocate. Craig concluded that the only requirements for being an advocate are being over the age of 21, having a clean background, and being committed to your CASA case until it closes. Â
