The recent string of tragedies in Syracuse has left many people wondering how they can help end the cycle violence. Look no further than the Onondaga County Court Appointed Special Advocates Program.
The Onondaga County CASA program offers help for children in rough situations. Judges assign the program for children. Then volunteers are chosen to be a constant adult presence in the child’s life and represent the child’s best interest. The advocates
With so many children coming from rough situations, Special Advocates Program Director Stefanie Savory says empathy is the best skill for an advocate.
“We look for those who are compassionate and open-minded. All of our cases are children who are before the family court for allegations of abuse and neglect. And so our advocates need to have that sensitivity to what the child is going through, the ability to communicate with them where they’re at.”
With the recent violence seen in the city, Savory believes that getting involved with the children early can have a big impact on their future.
“There is definitely a need. We get in there and connect with the families, connect with the kids. The kids see that there is more out there than just their current environment,” Savory says. “We give them that support, that person to depend on. When youth only knows one path, they don’t know there is another path out there and we really try to introduce our youth to other paths and other options out there to steer them in a different new direction.”
Advocates often help the children focus on their education and get them involved in their community and away from any sources of trauma.
In order to become an advocate, volunteers must apply, go through a meeting and complete a 30-hour training program.
Savory says that the program is always looking for volunteers, even if they aren’t ready to become advocates.
“There’s always different needs. We may need help with various smaller activities or support. At Christmas time we will be having various families in the community sponsor our families and our children for presents,” Savory said.
Nationally, CASA began in 1977 in Washington and has since grown to include 1,000 local programs in 49 different states. New York State first launched a CASA program in 1991 and there are now local programs in more than 30 of New York’s 62 counties.
Those interested in applying to be an advocate or volunteering in other ways can visit Onondaga CASA’s website or Facebook page.
