HOMETOWN HERO
THE TOP ADVOCATE
Sharon Dieringer goes above and beyond as a CASA worker
STORY & PHOTO BY JOSEPH BROWN
Social workers aren ’ t made , they ’ re born .
But some in social work go above and beyond their calling to advocate for the most vulnerable populations .
As the reigning Advocate of the Year for the CASA of Walker , San Jacinto and Trinity County , Sharon Dieringer takes on the most difficult cases , while at the same time spending nearly every part of her day providing for those less fortunate . Court Appointed Special Advocates , CASA , is a nationwide organization that pairs children in the foster care system with trained representatives .
“ I grew up in a middle class family with a father who was very giving . He instilled in me and my sister to not only be educated as girls , but he also challenged us to give back ,” Dieringer said . “ You couldn ’ t ask for a better role model .”
Before starting with CASA , Dieringer spent 18 years in social work with state hospitals and nursing homes in Ohio . She would then spend a few years in the Ohio family court system as a magistrate judge and then went to work for Chevron after moving to Texas . Upon her retirement , Dieringer knew she wanted to get back into social work , which brought her to CASA .
“ The reality is that these kids are going to be the ones taking care of us , so we need to be sure we are taking care of them and give them opportunities that we may not have had ,” Dieringer said .
CASA advocates such as Dieringer serve as a
24-7 support system for a child , which can consist of everything from advocating for a child in court to supporting the child at a school sporting event .
“ Case workers change frequently , so the child knowing that they have the ability to contact someone who is looking out for their best interest is extremely important ,” Dieringer said .
Generally CASA cases last 12-18 months . However , Dieringer has had cases last as long as three years . The three counties represented by the local CASA organization are automatic appointment counties , so advocates become involved as soon as a child is removed from their family .
“ The most critical part of the entire process is to get a whole view of what has happened to a child . I have to find out what their past has been like and what needs to happen moving forward ,” Dieringer said of her process when receiving a new case . It ’ s all about finding out what the child needs and what they want . That ’ s the only way you can truly advocate for their needs .”
On top of her day-to-day advocacy duties , Dieringer has served as the advocate liaison to the Board of Directors for CASA of Walker , San Jacinto and Trinity County . She also spends a lot of her time volunteering for Hope ’ s Bridge Resource Center , which provides basic necessities for foster , kinship , adoptive , and other families within Montgomery and Walker Counties .
To learn more about how you can become a CASA advocate , visit casaofwalkercounty . org .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | MAY-JUNE 2021 | 27