Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

March 8, 2010

CASA holding volunteer information meetings

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Residents wanting more information about helping children in Jefferson County will have the chance to find out about Court Appointed Special Advocates.

“We’re excited about getting the word out about CASA and volunteer opportunities,” said CASA Executive Director Becky Whisenant. “We’re looking for anyone who has a concern and an interest in children and making sure their interests are represented in the court system.”

CASA of Jefferson County is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. The volunteers gather information and reports to a judge and makes recommendations of what is in the best interest of the child. “They provide a voice for the child to the judge,” Whisenant said.

The informational meetings, “What Does a CASA Volunteer Do?” will be held from noon to 1 p.m. today and on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the CASA office at 612 N. 12th St.

Whisenant said being a CASA volunteer is a 10 hour a month commitment once a case is assigned to the volunteer, as well as a commitment to attend a 30 hour training class held two nights a week in April.

“The training is invaluable,” Whisenant said. “It helps people understand child development, mental illness, substance abuse, a lot of issues that are seen in the court system on a daily basis.”

Time is the commitment, and Whisenant said unlike other child programs, CASA volunteers don’t transport children or spend money on them.

“You are an advocate for the child in the court system,” Whisenant said. “You help the court so it can make the best decision for the kids, like getting them in a permanent home quicker.”

Whisenant said there are some CASA volunteers who work full time and still volunteer in the program. But the program depends on its volunteers to be able to help children.

“We helped 38 children through 2009,” Whisenant said. “There were 115 children who came into the judicial system during the same period. We would love to be able to serve 100 percent of the kids in Jefferson County, but we need volunteers to do it.”

Whisenant said anyone who would like more information about CASA may attend one of the two meetings, or contact her at 204-5453. No reservations for the meetings are required, Whisenant said.

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