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New CASA volunteers sworn in to advocate for children

  • Published
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Four people affiliated with Cannon Air Force Base were among 10 sworn in as court-appointed special advocates by the Honorable David Reeb Oct. 6.

Two of the advocates were Cannon Air Commandos: Airman 1st Class Andrew Schmidt, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron, and 1st Lt. Matthew Fagan, 56th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron. Two others, Colleen Krusge and Amanda Semanko, are spouses of Airmen assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing.

The Curry/Roosevelt CASA program is a part of the New Mexico CASA Network and National CASA Association, a network of more than 900 CASA programs serving children in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

“I first heard about the program through Ginger Bishop,” said Schmidt. “She is the CASA coordinator and was a patient of mine several months back. She mentioned the program during her visit to the clinic and it was something that immediately interested me.”

The newly appointed CASA volunteers will join 36 other trained and dedicated community members who advocate for foster children in the county’s juvenile dependency court system, but with more than 140 children waiting for a CASA volunteer, many more advocates are still needed.

“The Clovis CASA volunteers are a small group and could definitely benefit from more people getting involved,” Schmidt said. “I had a very safe childhood growing up, and I want as many kids as possible to have that feeling of safety and support.”

CASA volunteers meet with children regularly and are authorized to interview people in each child’s life, such as social workers, attorneys and teachers. They also attend court hearings with children and report findings to judges. As officers of the court, they help ensure children’s needs are recognized, and that their best interests are considered both in the courtroom and in the community.

“Being officially sworn in by Judge Reeb was such an incredible honor,” Schmidt said. “To anyone who is on the fence about this responsibility, I would say go for it. The hours of training are very much worth it; Ginger is an amazing leader and knowledgeable coordinator. You will be in great hands if you choose to get involved.”

The only prerequisites for becoming a CASA volunteer are you must be at least 21 years of age, clear an extensive background screening and successfully complete 30 hours of training.

The next advocate training session for Curry/ Roosevelt County begins Oct.19. Those interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the rewards that come along with serving as the voice of a child can contact Ginger Bishop at 575-769-2656.

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