Advocate Spotlight: Beth Morse

I’ve been an Advocate since May 2008. It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years! I was a stay-at-home Mom at the time and realized that my boys, ages 14 and 10, weren’t needing me as much. I had seen the CASA banner displayed over area streets for many years and decided to inquire about it. I had the time and the talent (my background is in child and family development) to advocate for children in need.

The most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate is thinking that you’ve made a positive impact on a child and having that impact confirmed by the caregiver. About a year ago I crossed paths with the grandmother who adopted her grandson (the child on my case). He was 10 years old when the case was closed. She immediately recognized me and called me by name. She told me that her grandson, now 16 years old, was doing well in school, was on the football team, was off all of his meds, and was featured in an article about his basketball team in Sports Illustrated. She thanked me for helping her adopt her grandson and told me they thought of me often.

The skill I’ve learned over these years and would like other Advocates to know is the importance of being adaptable. Just when we think we know the outcome of the case, something happens: a relative comes out of the woodwork, a placement breaks down, a parent tests positive. That’s when we, as Advocates, need to go to plan B or C or D; always keeping in mind what is in the best interest of the child(ren). Being adaptable is also vital when dealing with the various parties of the case. Circumstances can change, sometimes quickly, on our cases and we need to be ready for those changes.