Garrard CASA volunteer helps siblings find safety and permanency

CASA Volunteer Anne Marie Marshall

Anne Marie Marshall began her work as a CASA volunteer more than two and a half years ago, when she was first matched with a neglected child who was part of a large sibling set.

Today, all the siblings but one have found safe, permanent homes, and the last one may soon reach permanency, as well. Marshall has been chosen as a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of how she has contributed over and over to help each of the children.

Marshall has been instrumental in keeping children in safe placements and protecting them from further trauma, just by visiting regularly and speaking up for the children’s needs, said Jenifer Lamb, Garrard County CASA Volunteer Manager.

“Despite all difficulties, she remains dedicated to seeing each child in a safe, permanent home,” Lamb said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the Garrard County family court system. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, talks to people in the child’s life, reviews records and compiles what they learn for Garrard County Family Court Judge Jeff Moss.

CASA reports provide a unique perspective from a regular person and help get better results for the children, Moss has said.

Marshall said her experience as a CASA volunteer has shown her there are really good people in the court system trying to help the large number of children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Sometimes, it takes a CASA volunteer like her to find the best solution.

In Garrard County last year, at least 125 children suffered abuse or neglect. There are currently only enough CASA volunteers to serve about 11% of the children in the Garrard County family court system.

Marshall said one of her favorite memories of serving as a CASA volunteer is when she helped get one of the children on her case into a new foster home that could fully meet his needs.

“I could see the change in him and how comfortable he was and how much difference that family made for him,” she said. “He felt secure, finally, for the first time.”

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. All new CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class to prepare them for the work. A local training for new CASA volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties will be held at the Garrard Education Center beginning Sept. 9, with classes on Tuesday evenings and two Saturdays. Regional trainings in Lexington are also available June 23-27 and Sept. 4-Oct. 21.

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.