UK law student helps an abused child and earns pro bono credit as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Emily Prince

Emily Prince is in her final year of law school, completing her change of careers from social work. But as she pursued her law degree, she also found herself missing the feeling of making a difference for children.

Then, she learned about CASA of Lexington, which enables volunteers to advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children.

“I figured CASA would be a good way to still make a difference in child welfare with the time that I had to spare,” she said.

Prince completed a 30-hour online training course led by Dennis Stutsman, a CASA Volunteer Manager and attorney who retired from the Kentucky Attorney General’s office. Then, Stutsman matched her with an abused child in the local family court system.

Prince has been visiting her CASA child monthly, digging through court records and writing reports for the judge on the case for about nine months now. And she is earning pro bono credit toward her law degree for doing it.

“Emily has done a tremendous job of examining the child’s history, removal from her biological parents, and substance misuse and possible abuse from the child’s grandparents,” Stutsman said. “Despite this past, her child is excelling in school, has plans for college, is bonded with the foster family, and feels safe in telling Emily what really happened to her.”

Prince said CASA fulfills her desire to continue helping children.

“I have absolutely loved building a relationship with my CASA kiddo,” she said. “It has been amazing to watch her thrive in the right environment and with the right types of supports. It has been an honor to advocate on her behalf in court and to make her voice heard.”

Prince said she encourages anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer to do it.

“Children are our future,” she said. “The more we invest in children, the better the future will be for everyone.”

To serve as a CASA volunteer you must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks and complete CASA of Lexington’s 30-hour training class, which is offered in-person or online. If you are 20 years old, you can take the training class prior to turning 21. For more information, visit www.casaoflexington.org.