A guiding force

<p>When Stephanie Pile tells Amanda Tallman she needs to focus on finishing school, Tallman listens.</p><p>Originally matched three years ago through the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children program, known as CASA, the two have developed a mature rapport that emotionally rewards one and sustains and encourages the other.</p><p>"I've watched Amanda grow up. We've gone through school issues, different boyfriends, jobs, and she has grown into such a quality person," said Pile, a real estate agent who volunteers as a CASA mentor.</p><p>A national program with local chapters, CASA helps abused and neglected children who come to the juvenile courts in need of protection and care. CASA provides trained mentors to guide children through the often-frightening world of the courts. They can be a child's voice in court, or just be a young person's sounding board, depending on the need.</p><p>An avid CASA volunteer and booster, Pile feels like she found the volunteer slot she was made for.</p><p>"Being at CASA is very rewarding, but it's not a quick fix. CASA is not for someone who prefers short-term efforts," Pile said.</p><p>A busy real estate professional, Pile finds time for coffee, dinner dates and phone conversations with Tallman. Most CASA volunteers devote about 10 hours a month to mentoring.</p><p>"Stephanie is a fabulous role model for a young girl going through high school and on to college. She is one of the busiest people I know and yet she found the room to fit a child into her life," said Millie Gilson, CASA Sonoma County executive director.</p><p>Tallman, who beginning at age 13 lived in foster care, remembers hiding behind a wall of toughness.</p><p>"My mode was to not need anybody. To say, this is fine, I can handle this. But on the inside, I was scared and lonely. The most important thing is to have somebody who is always there for you. To trust that not every relationship is just going to disappear," she said.</p><p>Now 21, Tallman can't imagine life without her friend Stephanie.</p><p>"When I met Stephanie, I was already living on my own through a great program called Successful Transitions. Stephanie was there to listen to me," said Tallman, who is now just a few units short of completing her studies at Santa Rosa Junior College.</p><p>"I only wish we had been matched up sooner. Being in the system, I sort of felt like I owed somebody something and I struggled with that. She encouraged me to find my own path," she said.</p><p>Working three jobs, Tallman plans to train as a court reporter. She credits the security of having a CASA mentor with giving her the courage to follow her dreams.</p><p>"Knowing I can call Stephanie and ask her advice gives me a sense of security. It helps to balance things, to be able to see outside of the situation I'm in," said Tallman, who spent part of this summer exploring Italy with friends.</p><p>The CASA program requires about 27 hours of classroom training and observation time in Juvenile Court. All CASA volunteers must pass a criminal background check and be fingerprinted.</p><p>"The training is lengthy but really interesting. You have to be trained to be able to do the work, to help children in scary situations," Pile said.</p><p>Each year, about 5,000 young people are emancipated from the California foster care system. Many lack family, skills or the ability to find or pay for housing. Those with CASA mentors at least have a lifeline.</p><p>"At this point, Amanda and I have developed a mutual respect. Children need more than just talk. They need one person to be there for them. We will always be in touch," Pile said.</p><p>To learn more about the Sonoma County chapter of CASA, log onto www.sonomacasa.org or call 537-6375.</p><p>The next CASA training session begins Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 2. Mandatory orientation sessions will occur before sign-ups. There are currently 40 children on the CASA waiting list.</p>