Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers needed; training to be held in early June

QUINCY — The Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers program of Advocacy Network for Children needs volunteers to speak up for the abused and neglected children in the court system.

Volunteers are needed in all seven counties served by the agency — Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, Pike, Morgan and Schuyler.

An accelerated training for CASA volunteers is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, at the Advocacy Network for Children’s main office, 1420 Harrison.

CASA volunteers are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused or neglected children in the court system. Volunteers receive 30 hours of training prior to case assignment. Training includes courtroom procedures, working with social service agencies and the special needs of abused and neglected children. Training is free with training manuals and materials provided. Once trained, CASA volunteers work alongside attorneys and social workers from case inception to its completion.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. No special experience is required. These trained volunteers will represent abused and neglected children in the Adams County court system.

For more information or to request an application, contact CASA coordinator/recruiter Erica Parrish by calling 217-223-2272 or email eparrish@advonet.org.