Lexington woman has helped abused and neglected children for more than a decade
CASA Volunteer Amy Shaw
Eleven years ago, Amy Shaw read about a local businesswoman who was also serving as a CASA volunteer. The work intrigued her, so she looked into it and soon signed up to become a CASA volunteer herself.
Shaw has served as a CASA volunteer in Lexington ever since, and has now advocated for more than 10 abused or neglected children. She is also one of CASA of Lexington’s Volunteers of the Month for September.
“Through many challenges, setbacks and surprises on her current case, Amy has been steadfast in communicating with everyone, consistently visiting the children and making sure their best interests are a priority,” said Jenifer Bahr, Shaw’s Volunteer Manager. “Amy builds wonderful relationships with community partners and makes sure they have the information they need to provide the best services for the children she serves.”
As a CASA volunteer, Shaw is matched with abused or neglected children in the local family court system. She visits the children monthly, helps improve communication and advocates for what the children need.
“Being a volunteer means focusing on what is best for the child — that has to be top-of-mind, always,” Shaw said. “You may be the most consistent person in their life, so commitment is a must.”
CASA volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month on average, and serve for at least 2 years, in order to see cases through to closure. Kids who get a CASA volunteer do better in school, get more services they need and are returned to safe, permanent homes faster. They are also far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close.
Shaw said more than a decade as a CASA volunteer has shown her how helping children often means helping the children’s families.
“Being a volunteer has reinforced for me that children are not little adults,” she said. “Hurt children become hurt adults, and sometimes parents need just as much support as the children.”
More information about becoming a CASA volunteer is available at www.casaoflexington.org, by emailing info@casaoflexington.org or by calling (859) 246-4313.