MEET A VOLUNTEER...
Judy Hallstrom was one of the first people to step up for the call to duty when the Sioux Falls Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program began in March of 1995. Judy remains a dedicated volunteer today serving the best interest of children as their families go through the court process as a result of abuse or neglect to the children Judy has been charged with advocating for. Judy is the only remaining volunteer from the very first class of CASA volunteers to complete the pre-service training. Since that time Judy has spent approximately 1200 hours advocating for 34 abused/neglected children in 15 cases. Judy spends time with the child(ren) in her cases learning about them from the child, parents, care providers, relatives, friends, educators, therapists and many other persons. Judy also spends time with the parents when possible and monitoring what changes the parents make to become better parents and assuring that they can provide a safe, stable home for their child(ren) to return to. These cases can last 12 months or more. During this time Judy is assessing for positive changes by the parents and then compiles a thorough, fact based report for the Judge and attorneys to read. Judy makes a recommendation to the Judge as to what she believes is in the best interest of the child(ren) based on the information she has gathered during the case she is appointed to. This is no simple task. Judy is making recommendations for reunification of the children with the parents or worst case scenario, she recommends termination of parental rights so the child(ren) may be legally cleared for adoption into a safe, stable family as soon as possible.
Each year the CASA Program serves many children in the court process. Judy has generously given of her time even though she works full time and is also a foster parent. It is a wonder she can find the time to volunteer so generously of herself to CASA kids and families. We wish everyone could make the time to give as Judy does. Judy has found a way to reach the children and their families to give the children a voice in a court process in which their wishes and best interests may not be heard by the court without a CASA volunteer. She has touched the lives of 34 children and made a profound difference. After 14 years, she continues to be a model of one person making a difference one child, one family at a time. Judy deserves the recognition for giving of herself to a process that is not warm and fuzzy rather dealing with the dark issue of child abuse and neglect is challenging emotionally and at times physically because of what the children have experienced at the hands of their parents. Judy assures the children are not forgotten in an adult court system.
Judy Hallstrom was recognized in our community by being selected to receive the 2009 Spirit of Volunteerism Award in the individual adult division.