Meet CASA Advocate Kathy Ramsey
We interviewed CASA Advocate, Kathy Ramsey to learn more about her and her role as a CASA Advocate.
Why did you first become a CASA?
When I was a juvenile, we had a series of circumstances happen to our family that ultimately led to me being placed with a foster family and then sent to a juvenile detention facility. I had NO voice, no one on my side, no one I could speak to about what was happening to me or how I was going to handle it. I’m in my 60s now; I have lots of great life experiences, an advanced degree, and a couple of good careers behind me. When I heard about the CASA program in Denton County, I knew I had found my volunteer calling.
What has kept you working with CASA as a CASA Advocate over the years?
I continue to work with CASA for the same reason I tend to binge on Netflix; once the case is starting to wind down, the CASA Supervisors start talking to me about another case and then I am hooked! I cannot let this new kid go without a CASA helping them navigate the most difficult time in their young lives. I prefer to advocate for teens and preteens and consider it a privilege to be a little light in their life during what can only be felt as a scary and bizarre situation.
Can you share about a time when you really felt like you made a difference?
I was able to advocate for a teen who had lost her parents and was really struggling. I helped her find guardians who were close family friends. She was able to live near other family members and stay close but found a great placement that could meet her needs. We were able to resolve the case very quickly, without a lot of the trauma that can sometimes be associated with out-of-home placements. This teen went on to do well in school and live a very nice life with the familial legal guardians.
What surprised you about your work for CASA?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the strength of the role as a CASA. In Denton County, we are also Guardians Ad Litem (GAL), which is a legal role in addition to being advocates. The strength of the GAL designation helps to legally open access to information that can be crucial for aiding a child in this process.
Why should people donate to CASA?
Donations give children in CPS care an advocate, a voice, and a caring adult that can be there to help them navigate what is happening. All of the other parties in a CPS case have a specific agenda, mission, and timetable; a list of boxes to check off. CASA has the freedom to carefully consider the best interest of the child without the checklist and program rules.
ON NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY, YOU CAN STAND WITH ADVOCATES LIKE KATHY AS THEY CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY!
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