Court Appointed Special Advocates

CASA volunteers needed, training offered

SPEARFISH - Volunteers are needed to make a real difference in this world by providing a voice for children in need.

Staff with Northern Hills Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) will begin training sessions of three weeks for anyone interested in being part of their program, starting at 6 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 11. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of trained volunteers, this organization aims to promote and protect the interests of abused and neglected children and to volunteer or to register for training, call the hills north of CASA at 722-4558.

"CASA volunteers come from all walks of life.All you need is common sense and care for children, "said Kate Kelley, Executive Director of Northern Hills CASA.

Kelley said all volunteers receive training and support of a team of professionals who are well educated in the legal and well-being of children. Throughout the six classes, potential volunteers will go through everything they need to know when it comes to investigate a case, the preparation of a recommendation, and representing the best interests of the child in court .

"You will see that being a CASA volunteer will reward you with some of the experiences the most powerful and fulfilling, you will find," said Kelley. "You will see that you have not only raised a child's life but your own taste good. "

Nancy Forcucci was a case manager with Northern Hills CASA for nine years and said there is no special knowledge needed to be a CASA volunteer.

"You just need someone who is dedicated to children, and want to make a difference," she said.

The program provides needed services to abused and neglected children in the 4th circuit court, which includes Lawrence, Butte, Meade, Harding, Perkins, Ziebach, Corson and Dewey Counties.

Lawrence County, cases of abuse and neglect increased 20 percent between 2009 and 2010. With more cases, there is a need for more volunteers and donations to help support training for each lawyer. In 2010, Kelley said there were 134 children in the Northern Hills area that were served by 40 volunteers.

Advocate Internship :: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union ...

Mission:

CASA of UC is organized exclusively for charitable purposes as Section 501 (c) (3) under the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of CASA of UC is to help children out of the house investment to achieve permanency in a safe and nurturing home. The main objectives of the program are:
a) Advocate for the interest of children in out of home placement and under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court NJ, part family in Union County.
b) Recruit, select, train and supervise volunteers who will be appointed by the Court and to help the family by collecting relevant information on the child and family through the file review and interviews with the child, parents, foster parents / family resource, relatives, teachers, doctors, social workers and others who may have relevant information.
c) establish and maintain effective relationships with Family Court Services Division of Youth and Family (DYFS), Child Placement Review Board (CCIP), Public Defender's Office, legal aid, and the child of other organizations serving / institutions in order to create a cooperative environment in which to best serve the needs of children.
d) Educate the community about the role of CASA of UC in the lives of children in out of home placement.
e) Represent the CASA program in local organizations and counties affected by childhood.

Internship Description:

This position will provide valuable experience for those interested to go to work in the systems of child protection and the Court, and also the non-profit sector. The hours will be flexible to assist the student in his / her schedule. The course can lead to a paid position.

Under the supervision of a supervising lawyer, the intern will be assigned the following tasks:
1. Assist Supervisor lawyer with volunteer recruitment, training and supervision
2. Attend court with the supervising solicitor where possible
3.

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