Having completed 33 hours of classroom training and approximately three hours of court observation, WillieMae Patterson officially will be able to help abused or neglected children in foster care.   

She was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), July 10, at the Baltimore County Circuit Courthouse. During the ceremony, Judge Kathleen G. Cox spoke about the important role of CASAs in helping the courts make recommendations to determine what is in the child’s best interest. 

“As an advocate with the responsibility of speaking for one child, a CASA volunteer makes sure the child's voice is heard both by the court and by those charged with providing them daily care,” said Amy Lanham-Reid, executive director for CASA of Baltimore County, Inc.

More than 600 Baltimore County children in foster care are currently waiting for a CASA volunteer. With ongoing economic problems causing additional stress on families resulting in increased reports of abuse, CASA volunteers are needed now more than ever.

No special experience is required to become a CASA volunteer; training and supervision are provided by professional staff. For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 410-828-0515 or visit www.casachildren.org.