2023-October-18
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A Voice for the Voiceless
BY KIMBERLY FORCE · INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION PROGRAM MANAGER · UNITED STATES
3 MINUTE READ · 4 MINUTE LISTEN
Children can’t vote, so their needs are often overlooked by politicians. And they rarely have financial assets. Children’s legal representation is often passed over by attorneys in favor of private pay cases.
We all need to be conscience for the community. Children deserve a safe environment and humane treatment to grow into healthy, productive adults.
My late husband was an advocate for abused and neglected children. He devoted his law practice and countless hours to serving on boards and committees of programs dedicated to children and their families.
I am a paralegal and have been with Cisco Legal for 18 and a half years. I currently work on Intellectual Property Litigation. Participating in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program has been one of the most meaningful ways for me to carry on his legacy. This is made possible through Cisco Legal’s pro bono program, which allows me to leverage my unique legal skills, resources, and perspectives to make a difference in children’s lives.
Children have the right to grow up in an environment free of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of family violence.
As a CASA volunteer, I fight for a world where every child can thrive in a safe, loving home.
I serve as the “eyes and ears of the court.”
After being sworn in by Gwinnett County Judge Whitner in 2018, I began my journey.
Since then, I have advocated for the best interests of children who are involved in court proceedings, typically about child abuse or neglect.
I do this by gathering information about the child’s situation, including their living environment, relationships with family members, and other relevant factors. I interview various people involved in the child’s life, such as parents, teachers, social workers, doctors, and therapists. Then I can provide the court with a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and circumstances.
These efforts help judges make informed decisions about child custody, visitation, termination of parental rights, and other matters — with the primary goal of ensuring my CASA child’s safety and well-being.
A voice for the voiceless
In 2022, I was awarded the Gwinnett County CASA of the Year Award, and the Karen N. Sibley CASA Volunteer of the Year Award for the entire state of Georgia in 2023. I dedicate these awards to all children who need someone to speak for them.
To expand my outreach, in November 2023, I will participate on a panel for the National Association of Counsel for Children. I will be joined by judges and attorneys from various states in the U.S. This organization is committed to advancing justice and policy reform for children, youth, and families on a national level.
Pursuing my passion would not have been possible without Cisco’s support and strong giving back culture.
It has been a privilege to walk alongside my CASA children on their journey to finding a safe and loving home. These incredible children have touched my heart and changed my life. I dedicate my time, my energy, my passion to them.
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