Expanded Lower Shore CASA Program Swears in First Volunteer Advocates for Vulnerable Children

Children with advocates can spend less time in foster care, perform better academically and behaviorally in school

SALISBURY, MD – September 7, 2022 During a ceremony conducted today by the Honorable S. James Sarbanes (First Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge), 20 new volunteer advocates for vulnerable children were sworn in as “friends of the court.” This is the first group of volunteers sworn in to serve Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties since the expansion of the Lower Shore CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program beginning July 1, 2022.

Judge Sarbanes along with the other judges and magistrates in the Tri County area have been strong supporters of the expansion of Lower Shore CASA into Wicomico and Somerset counties. They recognize the unmet needs of abused and neglected children and want to make the best decisions possible for these vulnerable children. According to Regional CASA Director, Jerrona Smith, “Having the perspective of a CASA volunteer enhances the process and has collaboratively resulted in those children spending less time in foster care.”

The new advocates took the oath following completion of a 32-hour training course that covered topics like trauma, resiliency, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and the role of a CASA volunteer. The new advocates are Carlos Smith, Brenda Phillips, Chavon Truitt, Maxine Jackson, Kevin Lindsay, Jasmine Dennis, Linda Wainer, Allie Beach, G. Faye Wilson, Maryanne Zappala, Jamie Millhoff, Niccole Oliver, Lachellle Scarlato, Kathleen Mason, Jeanette Morales-Brand, Maureen Nolan, Theresa Underkoffler, Paulette Semenko, G. Annette Mann, and Sheri Smith.

Until July 1, Lower Shore CASA served only Worcester County where Judge M. Margaret Kent and Magistrate Cathi Coates were instrumental in appointing CASA volunteers in child welfare cases. The program in its entirety transferred to the Life Crisis Center and with the expansion created a need for more volunteers and more funding. The CASA program relies solely on grants and donations. Another training program will be offered soon for additional volunteers. The format is self-paced online learning supplemented with virtual training sessions. Life Crisis Center Executive Director, Jamie Manning reports that the CASA program is currently assigned to 52 children in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County. “We need more volunteers now because the case demands are growing rapidly. You might just be that right person that child needs in their lives in this moment. You can make the choice to call to

become a volunteer to be able to make a positive impact in these children’s lives that will last a lifetime.”

To learn more about how to make a difference in the lives of children who have been removed from homes for their own safety and to apply to become a volunteer, visit LowerShoreCASA.org or call 443-782-3585.

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Editor’s Note: The attached photographs were taken on September 7, 2022 at the Circuit Court for Wicomico County. Pictured in attachment 1: are the newly sworn in CASA volunteer advocates, and the Honorable Judge Sarbanes, County Administrative Judge; the Honorable Judge Beckstead, Chief Judge; the Honorable Judge Maciarello, Associate Judge; the Honorable Judge Dean, Associate Judge; and the Honorable Magistrate Marvel. Pictured in attachment 2: Volunteers taking the Oath. Pictured in attachment 3: Left to Right, Sally Rankin (MD CASA), Terry Edwards (LCC CASA Volunteer Supervisor), Tiffany Chapman (LCC CASA Volunteer Supervisor), Jerrona Smith (LCC Regional CASA Director), Kayla Figueroa (LCC Lead CASA Volunteer Supervisor), and Jamie Manning (LCC Executive Director).