Are you for the child?

Some days it seems there is too much pain for the world to contain. It can feel overwhelming to even the best-adjusted adults; much more so to abused and neglected children, who live on a steady diet of hurt.

What difference can one person possibly make? Every CASA volunteer knows that answer: A lifetime of difference.

That's the nature of love. And North Idaho needs more of it.

When I served on First District CASA's board in 2010, we had 152 CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children), which wasn't enough to serve all kids in abuse and neglect cases - a frightening experience without a familiar, reassuring hand to hold. Today, there are only 119 CASAs, who served 540 children over 8,500 hours in 2013. Serving two to four kids at once means less attention available for each. You can help alleviate that load on April 23; more on that shortly.

Most cases of domestic violence never come to court; fearful and broken families hide from the limelight. When the state intervenes for a child's protection, it's by nature stressful, confusing, and challenging for all concerned. Attorneys represent the state and the parent-defendants, with their hands full. Judges may only see the children for a few minutes, let alone speak with them, assuming they're even capable of articulating their feelings. They may be too young or simply find it too difficult, especially in a courthouse.

So in 1977 a Seattle judge decided he needed more information and perspective about the children whose fates he decided, and with others created the nonprofit, statutorily defined CASA - a now-nationwide system of trained, volunteer "guardians ad litem" who independently investigate the child's situation and advocate for the interests of that child in court. In 1990 Congress recognized CASA, whose role is also set out by Idaho law.

"I am for the child."

With that mantra, trained, volunteer CASAs ensure that children don't fall through the cracks. The other elements - prosecution, defense, child welfare agencies - each perform their respective roles, but sometimes can't cover all the bases for both legal and practical reasons. That's where CASAs fit in; sometimes they are the only consistent, gently attentive presence on the child's level through a daunting experience. Working with other agencies, they add what they can to the picture, so judges can better determine the children's "best interests."

They do it on their own time, which collectively reached 87,000 hours statewide in one year and saved more than $1 million in court-appointed GAL fees.

They do it without compensation - except knowing they make a difference when it counts most.

They do it sometimes at great emotional cost - lost sleep, worrying about a child's uncertain future.

They do it quietly - by law, what they learn is confidential so they can't cry on a friend's shoulder when poignant facts in a case may plague the mind.

And finally, after all that effort, they have to let go. It's so easy to fall for a child, and CASAs do. They dive into the depths of a child's life at its darkest time, care, and then often resign themselves to not knowing how it all turns out down the road (although some kids do stay in touch). Is that child still safe? Happy? Did he or she become the beautiful person whose potential I saw?

In short, CASAs love. I've spoken with many; not one regretted the experience. Making a difference to a child rewards the soul lifelong.

The program isn't only good for the child, it's good for the community. According to U.S. Department of Justice audits, children with a CASA involved in their cases are more likely to have their needs correctly identified so they spend less time in long-term foster care, are more likely to have their cases permanently closed, and are less likely to re-enter the welfare system. The audit also determined that on average, less money is spent in CASA administrative costs than is spent on similar services without them.

Children are like flowers: With tender care, they bloom and enrich the world around them. But if treated poorly, they slowly wither, unable to grow healthy and strong.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Bring a child a "Ray of Hope" by becoming a volunteer, donating, or attending CASA's annual fundraising breakfast at 7 a.m. April 23 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. RSVP by April 18 to Christen Petersen at (208) 667-9165.

And if you're already "for the child," thank you.

"We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." - Nelson Mandela

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email: [email protected]