New CASA Volunteers Take Oath to Advocate for Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases

Five new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) were sworn in by Judge John Wolf to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Before administering the oath, Judge Wolf emphasized the vital role CASA volunteers play in supporting the court by offering an unbiased perspective centered on each child’s best interests.

The new volunteer advocates include Lauren Goldberg, Linda Hardham, D.R. O’Hara, Terri O’Hara, and Daniela Rodriguez. Each came to Columbia Gorge CASA for their own reasons, united by a shared commitment to supporting children and making a meaningful difference through advocacy. 

“I became a CASA for two reasons: First, I have a dear friend who has been a CASA for 18 years - she has made a real difference in the lives of the children for whom she has been an advocate, and I admire her work,” expressed newly sworn in advocate, Linda Hardham. “Second, although one can volunteer for many things, I was looking for something that could make a significant humanitarian difference. I can’t think of any other role, other than being a good parent, that could have such a profound influence for the better in the life of a child.”

Each advocate will be assigned to a child abuse or neglect case as a full party to the proceedings, providing an additional layer of support for a child navigating an uncertain and often difficult time. They will work to build trusted relationships with the children they serve and, through a court order, are able to speak with teachers, parents, and others involved in the child’s life. This allows them to provide the court with clear, well-informed recommendations centered on the child’s best interest.

Since July, the program has served significantly more children than it did during the same period last year and is on track to serve more than 100 children by the end of the fiscal year. Despite that growth, more than 20 children from the Gorge area could still benefit from a CASA volunteer—each one in need of a consistent, caring adult to stand beside them.

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