SIDNEY (Nov. 2, 2023) -- Four volunteers were sworn in as PlainsWest CASA volunteers this morning. CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, work with and represent children within the court system.

The mission of PlainsWest CASA is "to advocate (speak for) the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile court system by addressing the health, safety, permanency and well being of each child."

The concept of a CASA is simple; be the voice for someone who needs an adult to speak for them. The stress is the emotional involvement, learning what some young children experience. The four new volunteers were asked today why, why did they choose to get involved in CASA.

"My 'why' is If I can make a positive influence in a younger child's life and just help advocate through this program and just be their voice, and just be aware of their surroundings and let the court know what I see and just be a positive advocate," said Rusty Gulbranson. 

Janet Vath is on staff and recently completed the training to be a volunteer as well.

"I came to work here in January as a ... my retirement job. Before that I had been involved in the court system for 27 years. I see the need. A lot of times in court with my previous job, you will see that nobody advocates for the younger, for the kids. It's a battle between the parents or the court and the parents or HHS and the parents. But the child gets left out a lot," Vath said.

Vath said a CASA can help a child navigate the court system, or just be his or her support.

Jennifer Fraas, also a new CASA, agreed with Gulbranson that she wants to help children any way she can. 

CASA Teri Frerichs she likes to have children in her life.

"I just have grown kids and miss little ones and just want to have a little bit of that back in my life, and want to help others in the process of doing that," she said.

Janet Vath (also volunteer coordinator) : Janet came to PlainsWest CASA for her "retirement job," following more than 20 years in the court system.

According to the PlainsWest CASA website, there are more than 2,000 abused and neglected children in Nebraska in need of a CASA. For more information about PlainsWest CASA, see https://www.plainswestcasa.org/.