Bethlehem Couple Serves as Child Advocates

When one of Branden Johnson's clients suggested that Johnson and his wife, Renee, would be a great fit with Piedmont CASA, they weren't even sure what it was. All they knew was that they had a powerful love for children and were looking to volunteer their time.

Now serving as CASA volunteers, or court-appointed special advocates for children, the Johnsons agree the fit is right.

CASA volunteers provide a voice for children who have been abused or neglected and are currently in the foster care system. Advocates follow individual cases until they are done, meaning the child is either back with his or her parents, with another family member or in a pre-adoptive home. The goal is to finish each case in a year, though this isn't always possible.

CASA's goal is to advocate for the well-being of abused and neglected children. According to the organization's website, Piedmont CASA has 60 volunteers, and they represent 104 children. They need more child advocacy volunteers, an office volunteer and donations of office supplies for the coming year, said Annette Bates, executive director of Piedmont CASA.

The Johnsons, who live in Bethlehem, started their 40-hour CASA training in August and began their first case in October. Their responsibilities include getting to know the child they are representing, reviewing records and interviewing family members. They follow up with case plans, making sure that all parties are doing what they agreed to do. They have to familiarize themselves with each situation fully so they can recommend where they feel the child should be placed.

The Johnsons spend an average of four hours each week working on their case, split between phone calls, emails and visits with their child.

Volunteers also make sure these children receive the services they need. The Johnsons fought to make sure their child started counseling, something that would have taken longer without their attention.

Though CASA is a commitment, Branden Johnson believes anyone can find the time to volunteer, and this couple certainly proves it. Branden works full time as a software engineer. Renee is a stay-at-home-mom to their three young boys, Dale, 5, Seth, 3, and Zachary, 1. Both also serve as youth leaders for teenagers at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Auburn.

Both believe volunteering has strengthened their family. Their parents help with the boys while they go to court hearings or visit with their CASA child. The children look forward to spending time with their grandparents, and Branden and Renee's car rides are an opportunity for them to catch up and spend some quality time together.

They explain their volunteer work to their boys by telling them that not all children have what they have and that some children need help.

"It's important to us for our kids to know that they are not the center of the world and that they are very blessed," Renee Johnson said.

The couple recently took their boys to see their CASA child's church Christmas play. Renee considers this one of the highlights of her volunteer experience so far.

"I told him we came just to see him, and his eyes really lit up," she said.

Both have enjoyed their time with CASA and find it fulfilling.

"Every kid needs to know that they are valued and loved," Renee Johnson said. 

For more information on Piedmont CASA, visit www.piedmontcasa.org or call 706-387-6375.