Tonight I begin 5 weeks of intense training to become a “Court Appointed Special Advocate” for children coming from abusive/neglected homes. Its a volunteer opportunity that requires hours/week of investigation, court reporting and testimony to recommend the best interest for a child, whether it includes returning to their parents or another permanent home. It’s a nationwide initiative meant to relieve overburdened social workers who have too many cases and cannot give the necessary attention to each case. The result of this stretched-too-thin social work often times means children are released into homes where they are abused a second time… or third… or sometimes end in death.

This is my chance to pour out my heart in loving on children in ways they’ve maybe never received. I expect to graduate in six weeks and be sworn in by a judge to become a legal member of juvenile court, with a voice for children.