New Whitley County CASA volunteer sworn in

COLUMBIA CITY – A new Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer was sworn in at the Whitley County Courthouse on July 21.

CASA volunteers are community members who advocate for children in judicial proceedings. A judge appoints a volunteer to a child’s case so they can advocate for the child’s best interest.

Volunteers work with all the adults in a child’s life. They can meet with parents, educators, child welfare professionals and anyone else who can help provide information about the child’s needs.

When asked to describe what CASA volunteers are, Northeast Indiana CASA Executive Director Kristi Bachman said they are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

The new volunteer, Carrie Sietsma, fits this description. She works a full-time job at a software company. When asked what made her want to join she stated that she felt like it was time to give back to the community.

Sietsma participated in one of CASA’s first hybrid training options. This hybrid option meant she was able to complete most of her training on her computer. Sietsma was still required to attend an in person training as well. She claimed this was great for her schedule.

She was sworn in by Whitley Circuit Court Judge Matt Rentschler. She recited an oath to faithfully and impartially perform her duties. CASAs also swear to share information carefully and only in the best interest of the child they are representing.

Sietsma believes this volunteer position will be a good fit for her. Not only does she believe in the cause but she believes it fits into her schedule well. Parents and other adults in the child’s life will often need to meet outside of normal business hours. When applying for this position, Sietsma considered this and is confident her company will be flexible with her.

When asked what makes a CASA volunteer a good volunteer, Bachman said they have to be emotionally stable and have to want to help children. Volunteers also have to be able to handle situations when they do not turn out how they wanted them too.

Bachman and Sietsma encourage local community members to look into the program if they are interested.

“We’re looking for just people who care about children. Who want to help give children a better quality of life and that are dedicated to being committed to a child throughout their walk in the juvenile justice system,” Bachman said.

To learn more, visit the Northeastern Indiana CASA website at www.neincasa.net.