She poses this question because she believes that seniors have natural abilities that particularly suit them for the important task she has in mind.

Epstein is recruitment coordinator for Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, which is associated with the National CASA Association, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. CASAs are court-appointed special advocates who serve the interests of children who have been legally removed from home environments destroyed by alcoholism, violence, sexual abuse or profound neglect.

"Seniors have the life experience, the wisdom and the patience to advocate for kids who have no one else to depend on," Epstein says. She also points out that respect for the judgment of seniors is reflected in a court system that looks to grandparents as the first alternative within the family to replace unsuitable parents. If no relative is available, the children are sent to foster homes or other institutions. And it is here that they can fall through the cracks of an overburdened social welfare system and be denied the safe, permanent homes they need.

The National CASA Association was created to intervene for these children who are victims. Since its inception in 1977, more than 900 CASA programs have been formed. There are now programs in all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C. and the Virgin Islands. Child Advocates of Santa Clara County began in 1986 and expanded to San Mateo County in 1990, becoming the most active volunteer advocate program in the nation. The organization provides training and guidance for approximately 600 CASAs.

Ann Whyte, advocate supervisor for Child Advocates in Milpitas, especially enjoys working with seniors. "I'm a senior, too!" she says. About 240 of her CASAs are age 50 or older, with 21 of them over 70 years old. The oldest active advocate is 82. Whyte agrees with Epstein that seniors bring special talents to advocacy for children. "We look for caring, emotionally flexible, compassionate people who like kids and have the time and the commitment to be an advocate."

Bud and Ann Oliver, both in their early 70s, are 14-year veterans of the CASA programs. "I have a place in my heart for the underdog," says Bud. Ann recently saw a satisfying end to her advocacy for four abused and neglected children—none more than 4 years old—all of whom were adopted by one couple. "The children are well worth the time you spend," she says, "and there are so many needy children."

Most CASAs are assigned one on one, but a few experienced people like Whyte have taken on multiple cases. Advocates choose their cases from the files of some 400 kids who are on the waiting list for a CASA. The children's ages range from newborn to 18. They may be babies born drug- or alcohol-dependent, children of incarcerated parents, or teenagers with multiple foster placement failures.

The advocate befriends the child, models trustworthy adult behavior, provides consistency and teaches about friendship and how to ask for help when in need. He or she may be the first caring adult in that child's life. It's an 18-month commitment, during which the advocate spends time with the child. Seniors have taken their charges to the park or a local zoo or the beach, signed up for an art class together, arranged a picnic lunch, and sat down with the child for tea and cookies. Some have been the first person to teach the child to tell time or count change. Can three or four hours per week make a difference? "That's more than they get from anyone else," says Whyte. "It's spending time, not spending money."

The goal is reunification with the family. If the parent does what needs to be done, the child can be returned. "The kids want to be home, even when it's not perfect," Whyte says. But if the parent cannot or will not make the needed changes, the next goal is to find a safe, permanent adoptive home for the child. In 60 percent of the cases, this is what happens.

The "court appointed" advocate is a powerful voice in the decision process. The CASA is the only person authorized to work with all parties involved: county social workers, the child's and the parents' attorneys, teachers, therapists, doctors, foster parents and institutions. He or she accompanies the child to juvenile, family and criminal courts when appropriate. The CASA writes and presents reports to the court every six months, and the judges pay close attention. A recent study revealed that child advocates make recommendations to the court that often contain vital information not reported by other parties in the case. The advocate is the only friend who really knows the child and who comes to court with the child's best interests in mind.

The satisfaction that seniors derive from being CASAs is obvious. Dave Wies, 69, recently heard from one of his teens who had made changes in his life, "I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for you." As Wies says, "This is the success that you live for." CASAs know that they are an important influence that will move these youngsters toward productive and self-reliant lives as nonabusive adults. "What makes child advocates a success is patience and persistence," says Wies, "and that's seniors!"

For more information about orientation or training classes, visit http://www.cadvocates.org or call 408.416.0400.

Andrea Dorey is a licensed vocational nurse, medical writer and former AARP president. Contact her at andid@cagreens.org.