Third Round of CASA Volunteers Sworn In
Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News
On July 25, three dedicated individuals took an oath to serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in the foster care system in a ceremony held at the Gila River Community Courts.
Last year, the Gila River Indian Community became the first tribal community in the state to be CASA certified. CASA is a national program that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. CASAs are assigned to individual cases and work closely with the court to ensure every child receives the care and support they need.
Gloria Osife, Kelsey Martinez, and Jessica Anderson, all from diverse professional backgrounds, have now officially joined the ranks of those who advocate for the rights and well-being of some of the Community’s most vulnerable members.
The newly appointed advocates recently completed an intensive 30-hour training program designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for children navigating the complex child welfare system effectively.
Each of them will be assigned to work with a child or sibling group, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met as they move through the legal process.
Gloria Osife, District 3, brings a wealth of experience as a retired court clerk to the Community, which has instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of stability and support in a child’s life.
“I made the decision to be a volunteer to be able to advocate for the children,” Osife said, “Some of them don’t have a voice, or nobody listens to them; being an advocate, I would be the one to speak for them and make recommendations for the best interest of the child.”
Kelsey Martinez, District 3, former Miss Gila River 2022-2023 and a longtime Community volunteer, has always been passionate about working with children.
“In my previous job, I was working very closely with children, and it ties into the platform I had while I was Miss Gila River, ‘implementing traditional teachings into living healthy lifestyles,’” she shared, expressing her eagerness to begin this new chapter of advocacy.
Jessica Anderson, District 3, decided to become a CASA after learning about the program through an email from Banda, who was seeking volunteers in the Community. With a background in Communications with the Gila River Police Department, Anderson is determined to use her skills to ensure every child can thrive.
Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, CASA Coordinator Sharon Banda, Children’s Court Judge Kami Hart, and family members of the new CASA volunteers attended the ceremony.
Judge Hart, who presided over the swearing-in, remarked on the vital role that CASAs play in the court system.
As CASAs, Osife, Martinez, and Anderson will have the unique opportunity to significantly influence the lives of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
They will work closely with legal professionals, social workers, and families to gather information, make recommendations to the court, and help guide the children through their journey in the foster care system.
The CASA program relies heavily on Community volunteers and is always in need of more advocates. There are currently eight CASAs, with five being GRIC members, according to Banda.
Volunteers undergo an extensive background check, references, and interview, followed by training. If you want to become a CASA or learn more about the program, please contact Sharon Banda at (520) 562-9860 ext. 9928.
