For a Good Cause

Nancy Cheever

She’s an illustrator by trade, a sketcher of biological graphics for

research journals and text books. But Pam Emery’s real passion is the

children she mentors through CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.

The 47-year-old mother of two teenage boys said her experience as a mom

was what prompted her to get involved in the organization, which pairs

volunteers with abused, abandoned or neglected children who are being

filtered through the social service system.

“They’re kids who no one stops and takes the time to tell how to tie

their shoes,” said the 25-year Newport Beach resident.

Advocates are often called “the eyes and the ears of the judge” -- they

act as advocates for children who have been born into or are growing up

in an unstable or unsafe environment.

“Most children who have CASA representative are not in the confines of

their natural home environment,” Emery said. “Their sole parent may be

going through some type of substance or physical abuse program.”

As a CASA representative, Emery spends at least three hours a week with

the child, and monitors interactions between the child and health-care

workers, teachers, caregivers, doctors, therapists -- even their own

parents.

She then makes recommendations to the judge about what the CASA believes

is in the best interest of the child.

“In a system where people in their lives change ... you are the only

person that is consistently in a child’s life for two to five years,” she

said. “Even small amounts of focus time with young people is huge. It’s

the one-on-one experience with the kids that is most important.”

The work can be challenging, but Emery thrives on the challenge.

“I like the kind who run away and ask tough questions,” she said. “It’s

not easy, it’s a responsibility -- but the reward comes in the most

unusual packages.”

Her biggest triumph was finding a special connection with a teenager who

had been in the foster care system her entire life.

“What I shared with her for the first time in her life was a

relationship,” she said.

Emery said being in a volunteer position has helped her gain trust with

the children.

“Not being paid is a huge advantage,” she said. “When you volunteer, they

realize you’re just there for them, it’s a whole change in the

relationship.”

While the outcome of each case is different, the objective is always the

same.

“The sole job of the [advocate] is to help the child -- being a good

friend and role model for the kids,” said Rose Carey, director of

community relations at CASA Orange County.

Of the 3,000 children who are abused in Orange County every year, about

400 have been earmarked by the judicial system as needing a court

advocate, Emery said.

CASA of Orange County is still in need of volunteers. To find out more,

call (714) 663-9034.

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