Volunteer Profile: Q&A with Paul Buskirk

For a young person navigating the overburdened child welfare system, it can make an enormous positive difference to have the constant, caring presence of a trusted adult. That is exactly the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates (or "CASAs") — volunteers who are trained to be a reliable support and advocate for children waiting to be placed in a safe, permanent home.

After taking the steps to becoming a CASA, volunteer advocates are sworn in and assigned to a case. They maintain regular communication with the child in person and by phone, providing dedicated, one-on-one attention. They gather information and speak up for the child inside and outside the courtroom, helping inform the judge how the child’s best interest may be served. Every step of the way, volunteer advocates are supervised and supported by Douglas County CASA’s paid, professional staff.   

"We encourage our volunteer advocates to develop meaningful connections with CASA kids,” says volunteer supervisor Susan Anderson. “Advocates are there for the child and for the family — that’s what being a CASA is about.”

We sat down with one of our volunteer advocates, Paul Buskirk, to hear about his experience as a CASA. He shared how he has worked to build trust and rapport with his CASA kid, and the moment he knew he had made an impact in the young person’s life.

How did you find out about CASA? What was your path to becoming a volunteer?

Paul Buskirk: I first learned about CASA from my wife. She worked as a therapist at Bert Nash and would sometimes reference CASA in conversation. Then, two years ago I ran for the U.S. Senate, and through that experience I learned and talked a lot about the needs of children and families. When I exited that campaign unsuccessfully, I realized there was an emptiness I needed to fill. I thought CASA could be a fit, so I filled out the volunteer interest form. My first conversation with a CASA team member was great, and it all just felt right. So, I completed extensive training, met my volunteer supervisor, and was assigned my first case in June 2023.

What has been your experience establishing rapport with your CASA kid? 

PB: I have truly enjoyed getting to know this young man over the last year. He was a delight to meet — super bright and personable. He’s a high school student, and that’s a comfort zone given my 40 years working with student athletes. I also know there's no “one size fits all” strategy to connect with that demographic.

My first visit with Andy* was at his foster home in July 2023. He was removed from that placement shortly after and eventually landed at a group home in Kansas City. That’s where he and I started gaining some ground. I'd go every week, pick him up, and say: “Okay, where are we going?” We’d often go on walks, side by side, so there wasn’t pressure to even look at one another — and I think he felt comfort in that. Sometimes he’d talk, and sometimes he wouldn’t, and either way would be okay. My approach is to just be there. 

Since May, he’s been placed temporarily with his mom in Nevada, so we haven’t had face time recently. But I communicate with him every week by phone or text, and I talk with his mom. Things are going well for them. It looks as though they might relocate to Missouri in early October, at which point the court will probably close the case.

When was a time you knew you were making an impact?

PB: I stopped giving advice a long time ago. No one was listening anyway! But once, when Andy was in the midst of some kind of decision, I said: “Here’s a thought, you can take it or leave it. Years ago I gave up thinking that there is actually a ‘best choice’ because it just creates too much pressure. I do, however, believe in making ‘next-best choices’ because right now I can see only this far out and I can choose from these options. So I’m going to make this one decision and then just grow into it.” About three weeks later, we were talking about something completely different and he said, “I think I’m going to make my next-best choice.” He had been listening! That was a day that made my heart super smile.

What have you found challenging about being a CASA? What has been rewarding?

PB: The experience of being a CASA is not just with the child, but with the family. And it’s important to remember their life experiences, their parenting experiences — and their kid — are not mine. They are not looking to me for advice. I don’t give advice, but sometimes it can be hard not to say, “Hey, if you do this, it would be a little better.” Several times along the way I’ve thought, I have no idea whether I'm helping at all. But then I have to remember more than anything it’s about just being there. 

Resources for these families are tough, so when it was time for back-to-school I told Andy’s mom to let me know if they had any need for supplies. She remembered my offer and reached out a week before school started, asking if there was anything I could do. I sent Andy a Walmart gift card, and he sent me a photo of new tablets and other things that he’d purchased using the gift card. The photo came with a handwritten thank you note. That’s something I’m going to keep.  

Note: Names have been changed to protect privacy.