Jessamine resident earns CASA Volunteer of the Month honor for work on behalf of abuse and neglected kids

CASA Volunteer of the Month Emma Sandrock

Emma Scott has always made volunteering a part of her life. When she looked  for a way to serve her community in Jessamine County, she discovered the local Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

“The CASA training introduced me to some incredible people in our community,” she said.

Scott went through the 30-hour training to become a CASA volunteer, and has now advocated for three abused or neglected children in the local family court system.

Because of her hard work on behalf of children, her Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod nominated her for CASA Volunteer of the Month in February.

“Emma is great to work with,” MacLeod said. “She has taken the time to build a good connection with her CASA kids and the parents on the case. She is also excellent at gathering records, talking with parties on the case, and independently verifying information.”

CASA volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month doing the work, which includes visiting with their assigned child or children monthly, talking to adults in each child’s life, and writing reports for the judge on the case.

CASA volunteers try to help reunify families whenever possible, or advocate for finding a safe, permanent home when reunification is not safely possible. They can help identify when children aren’t receiving services they need and ensure each child has a voice in court.

“The need is large and it is important,” Scott said. “I have no superhuman powers or any heroic character traits — and you don’t have to either to volunteer. Just by being present and consistent for these children, you can make a difference right where you are.”