Circuit Judge Wiley Branton says Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) is one of his favorite programs and its volunteers some of his favorite people. He spoke June 12 at the fifth annual Light of Hope breakfast benefiting the Pulaski County CASA program at the Junior League of Little Rock.
The program gives children in group or foster homes someone outside those institutions, monitoring their well-being and advocating on their behalf when necessary. Branton said CASA volunteers make sure the system is responding in a caring way.
"It gives a child a friendly face in a stormy sea."
He said, "As a judge, I appreciate what CASA does. They are my eyes outside of the courtroom to inform me what's going on with the child."
Rep. Warwick Sabin, D-Little Rock, was the honoree. He and his wife, Jessica, have attended the breakfasts for several years. They have been "profoundly affected by the stories we've heard," he said, and applauded the group for their work and pledged his support.
Also speaking at the breakfast was CASA volunteer Kay Wood and former foster child Raven Winfrey. Wood was Winfrey's advocate and she said when she first met the 16-year-old, her first case, she "prayed that I would never be one of the people that let her down."
Winfrey, 22 and employed full time, will be taking college courses in the fall. She and Wood remain friends. "I knew she was always there for me."
High Profile on 06/29/2014