In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with the leadership team from CASA Project Worcester County — Executive Director Julie Bowditch and Training & Advocate Supervisor Krissie Shaw — to discuss the critical role Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) play in the lives of children involved in the juvenile court and foster care systems.

The conversation explores how CASA volunteers advocate for vulnerable children facing abuse, neglect, trauma, and instability, while working alongside judges, social workers, schools, and families to help children achieve permanency and stability. Julie and Chrissy explain the rigorous volunteer training process, the emotional challenges advocates face, and the profound impact volunteers can have on a child’s future.

Senator Moore and his guests also discuss:

-The growing need for CASA volunteers in Worcester County -The realities of the juvenile court system and foster care

-Trauma-informed advocacy and child welfare challenges

-The importance of cultural competency and community representation

-The high volume of child welfare cases in Central Massachusetts

-Success stories surrounding adoption and permanency for children

This episode offers a heartfelt look into the people working every day to support some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children — and how ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference through volunteer advocacy.

This is more than politics. It’s about giving children a voice when they need it most.