Gary Chasey has been a CASA volunteer for the past 8 years and is currently working on a case with 3 children who were removed from their home due to drug usage and neglect by both the mother and her latest paramour. Each of the children has a different father. Fortunately, family came forward to care for the children and passed the usual background checks. Gary reports that mom has made good progress in turning her life around. The expectation is that the children will be returned to her soon.
Gary has had a career in Financial Services and is now semi-retired. He says his reason for becoming a CASA was a reaction to all the stories of child abuse and neglect in the daily newspapers. On investigation, he found it to be even more prevalent than he had thought and decided to do something to help. CASA seemed the right choice at the time and he says his experiences over the past 6 years have confirmed that.
In speaking of working as a CASA, Gary says:
“The professionalism shown by the local CASA leadership is reflected in the relationships with others in the field including the district judges, lawyers and Department caseworkers. This works to the benefit of the volunteers and gives us all credibility. As for the job of a volunteer, being a part of an effort the results in a happy landing for these kids is the reward.”
Gary is currently working on 4 cases involving 6 children. Completed cases number 19 with a total of 41 children.