Amy D’Aprile receives the 2021 Patricia Wagner Michigan CASA Volunteer of the Year award.

November 5, 2021

Michigan CASA had the pleasure of awarding Amy D’Aprile during our recent Virtual State Conference.

Amy has been a CASA Volunteer in Livingston County for nearly four years. She exemplifies a high level of ethics and respect in her role as a CASA with every single case that she has had so far. She is well respected by the parties in the case and will leave no stone unturned! Amy is respectful to everyone she works with and advocates with confidence, integrity, trust, and good moral character. Amy is always willing to help CASA volunteers if they are in need of a mentor. Amy has worked with children with many different needs, such as severe trauma, educational needs, and a medically fragile baby. Amy is compassionate, consistent, an active listener, and always remains objective. Amy has even been personally requested by attorneys and the Assistant Prosecutor on a particularly difficult case due to her professionalism and her advocacy skills.

Amy currently has a case and is advocating for two children that have had severe and repeated trauma. Even though they were initially placed with family that love the boys, they could not meet their needs due to the severity of the trauma. After many extended days in medical units, numerous 911 calls to the home, the relative placement could not keep the boys any longer. Amy diligently searched for a home that would meet the children's needs. She liaised with DHHS and the LGAL regarding a home called "Betsy's Place," which specializes in the treatment of boys 6-15 years of age who have experienced severe and repeated trauma. Since the boys have been placed at the home, they are thriving. One of the boys has just received Student of the Week, which is a true accomplishment. Their educational needs are being met at the Care Facility, and the boys have smiles on their faces again. I genuinely believe that although the boys still have a long way to go, they would not be where they are now if it wasn't for Amy's persistence and dedication to finding the best possible place to heal from the repeated trauma they have endured.

Amy is on the Board of Directors at Michigan CASA.

CONGRATULATIONS AMY!