CASA of Los Angeles is very proud to announce that Alison Wilcox has been selected CASA Volunteer of the Year 2011.

Alison started as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of Los Angeles in January 2003. Since that time, Alison has advocated for 9 children across Los Angeles County, ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old. The needs of the children have been quite diverse. Alison collaborated with the school and a caregiver of a preschooler/kindergartner who needed specialized educational advocacy due to his developmental and medical needs. She researched appropriate services, observed the young boy at home and at school, interviewed his teachers, his c a r e g ivers and his service providers. At the same time, Alison advocated for a 16 year old that needed assistance navigating the end of her high school career. The teen's education had been disrupted due to the emotional abuse by her parent. Alison remained patient and maintained perspective with the young woman, and through Alison’s efforts, the teen earned her GED and is currently attending community college, and has found housing so that she could leave the court’s jurisdiction.

Alison also advocates for a very special needs young lady who is unable to speak for herself and is confined to a wheelchair. Alison "listened" to what her CASA child was saying non-verbally (by her actions) and pushed to make the necessary adjustments to correct the problems. When delays in services and funding supports were jeopardizing the stability of her new adoptive home, Alison did not get flustered. She tenaciously yet respectfully pushed for the appropriate supports, staffing and services.In court, Alison stays calm when chaos swirls around her. She focuses on what's best
for her CASA children and getting the recommendations to Court.

In addition to her advocacy as a CASA, Alison generously agreed to volunteer for CASA in other capacities this past year. In her role as a volunteer case assessor, Alison reviews new cases to determine the role of the new CASA. Alison also agreed to serve in a newly formed role as a CASA Coordinator. In this position, Alison coaches new CASAs as they begin their advocacy for other CASA children.

Alison builds a bridge for new volunteers as they travel from the initial training to a confident advocate. She helps the other volunteers gain the confidence and skills to be an effective advocate. Despite all these accomplishments, Alison seeks no attention or accolades for her amazing work; she only seeks to help others. Alison is a true gift to CASA of Los Angeles, the Dependency Court and the foster children for whom she advocates. When asked why she volunteers, Alison simply states,“Working for and with children is the most rewarding work anyone can do - paid or unpaid.Making a child’s life even just a little bit better is very fulfilling.” In addition to being recognized as the CASA of Los Angeles 2011 Volunteer of the Year, she is also being recognized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at their Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. CASA of Los Angeles is very proud and grateful to have such a powerful children’s advocate as Alison.