CASA of Cherokee County needs Indian volunteers for children
By Christina Good Voice
Staff Writer
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Penny Norseworthy considered becoming a foster parent to help Indian children, but she found another way to help while juggling work, family and other obligations.
Norseworthy, a Cherokee Nation citizen and employee chose to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA volunteer.
CASA volunteers are trained to advocate in the best interests of an abused or neglected child in the courtroom.
In 2008, more than 350 such children found themselves needing CASA volunteers in Adair and Cherokee counties’ district courts as well as CN court. More than 69 percent of the 97 children who received CASA help in 2008 were Native American, said CASA recruiter and trainer Sandy Macauley.
However, as of May 27, CASA of Cherokee County had only nine Native American volunteer advocates serving Native children in the three court systems.
“While all of our volunteer advocates are trained in matters concerning cultural diversity, sometimes it is preferable to place a Native American volunteer with a Native American child,” Macauley said.
“I think it is important for Native people to volunteer so that Native children can have a person they can identify with,” Norseworthy said. “Native volunteers could be aware of cultural issues that a non-Native may not be aware of or understand the significance of it in the child’s life.”
Children relate and feel more comfortable with people like themselves, she said.
In 2009, one of CASA’s goals is to increase the number of Native American volunteer advocates, Macauley said.
One volunteer drive effort includes radio advertisements recorded in the Cherokee language for broadcast throughout June.
Norseworthy, who’s been a volunteer for about 2 1/2 years, said CASA volunteers are considered “unbiased outsiders with not agenda.”
“Other people involved in the case want the best interest of the child but come from a position that looks at different things, where a CASA volunteer looks solely at the best interest of the child,” she said. “You have access to all information and can hopefully make a recommendation that is best for that child.”
CASA volunteers are also important because sometimes they might be the only constant thing in a child’s life, Norseworthy said.
Ron Bywater, 69, is a Cherokee and a CASA volunteer who graduated from the CASA training program in March.
“I think there’s a real big need for people to represent the best interests of these kids,” he said.
Bywater volunteers about 18 hours a month with his current case, a family of three children.
“It’s been a real blessing to me to work with this family,” he said.
Prospective CASA advocates are required to complete 30 hours of training and six hours of courtroom observation following an in-depth interview, background checks and reference checks. Training follows the national CASA curriculum and is offered three times a year. The next training course will be offered in September.
“The CASA training prior to taking a case is really a top-notch curriculum,” Norseworthy said. “The CASA staff is great and very supportive. They are with you to help with anything you need. It is a rewarding feeling to know that you were a positive influence in a child’s life.”
Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer advocate are encouraged to call the CASA office at (918) 456-8788, or pick up an application packet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 304 W. Keetoowah St.