Susan Poor joined CASA in March of 2017. Since then, she has taken three cases, one of which she is still currently diligently working. Susan resides in White Salmon where she has had a home for 16 years and lived there in retirement for the last eight. Susan truly goes above and beyond in her advocacy, traveling hours to see her two CASA children in separate placements. Even in the midst of a complicated and often difficult case, Susan never falters in being there for the children she serves.
Susan says she became a CASA because she “wanted to help kids within the foster care system feel that someone does care about them and is there to walk beside them, behind them, or in front of them when needed.” She adds, “Foster care children need to depend on someone, and that someone needs to show up to the plate and do the best job they can do.”
Susan’s favorite part of advocacy is the children, followed by her love of learning, of which there is plenty to do in child welfare. Susan has thrown herself into gaining a better understanding of the child welfare system, from Oregon law to ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act), child development, trauma responses, and human resources. She also acknowledges how important it is to meet new people and learn from them, as well.
When asked how she handles any challenges in her advocacy, Susan replies, “I call my [CASA] supervisor! Seriously, that’s what I do!” Susan wants to pass on that “being a CASA is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child in the foster care system.”
Photo: Susan Poor and her grandchild.