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Blackburn leads Greene County CASA program
A new director will be leading the upcoming Greene County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) training.
CASA Director Sahrayah Blackburn said there will be a training program starting Nov. 20, which will help to provide volunteers to the 11 children on the waiting list in Greene County.
Blackburn was formerly the Greene County CASA Juvenile Advocate and was selected to serve as the CASA Director after long-time director Samantha Flath left earlier this year.
“I’ve been in social work for six years, specifically in child welfare. I have been with the CASA program for over a year. I have a bachelor’s of science in psychology. While I was pursuing that degree, I started doing social work in college and that’s what I’ve done since,” Blackburn said.
“I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I liked interacting with kids. I wanted to help -- that was one of the biggest things. I knew there were so many kids in need. In my hometown, there was so much poverty and drugs, and that inspired me to want to help children in that area. So, when I got out of college, I went to work in that county for DCS. I felt like I was able to give back in that area I grew up in.”
She began her career working with the Department of Child Services but made the career shift to CASA to be more focused on what is best for the child.
“I was looking for another social work job. I felt like in the position I was in, I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do with kids, and that was actually advocated in their best interest. As my career progressed, it became clear to me what my interests and direction were with social work. When I worked for DCS, I didn’t feel like my beliefs necessarily lined up with theirs. I finally found out where I fit in as far as my views and where the children fall in the child welfare system and that’s how I ended up at CASA,” Blackburn explained.
Blackburn said her experience with Greene County CASA began when she was working as a service provider, at which time she had become familiar with some of the local volunteers.
“I feel like I am able to help kids, work with kids and I get to represent them in a way I feel they should. It’s not about just ensuring safety. It’s also about what the kids want. I feel like the CASA program is a good partner with DCS to make sure the kids’ needs are being met. They are two different roles, but they complement each other to make sure the child’s needs are being met,” Blackburn explained.
Looking forward, Blackburn said her goal is to continue recruiting volunteers to work with the Children in Need of Services and reaching out to the community to educate them.
“I have been trying to recruit through social media since we have a lot of followers. I’ve been in touch with a graphic designer to do some flyers. I’m trying to recruit in ways that are free,” Blackburn said.
For more information or to obtain an application, call the Greene County CASA Office at (812) 384-2036.