(Atlantic) An open informational session will be held February 19th for people to learn about volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Cass County.
Anne Christensen, CASA Coordinator, will be on hand to explain CASA and how volunteer advocates ensure children in foster care are safe, have their needs met through services, and have a nurturing, permanent placement where they can thrive. Christensen said once a CASA volunteer is assigned to a case, they talk to everybody involved and gather information.
People interested in becoming CASAs begin the process by completing an application, interviewing with the program coordinator, and undergoing background checks. More than 30 hours of both individual and group training sessions are then provided to give the volunteer an understanding of the foster care system, the court system, and different family and social issues.
The informational session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. on February 19th at Sweet Joy Shoppe in Atlantic.
Applications to be a CASA are accepted all the time, but to take part in an upcoming local training session people must submit their applications by February 24. Volunteer candidates can begin the process by stopping by the information session or calling Anne at 712-328-4811.
