CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties, a program of Crime Victim Services, has announced that eight new volunteer advocates were sworn in as officers of the court by Allen County Juvenile Court Judge Todd Kohlrieser during a swearing-in ceremony at The Met on Tuesday, October 31.
Prior to being sworn in, volunteers and their guests heard from former CASA Director Tim Thurston on the lifelong impact each of these volunteers will have on children in our communities.
For the new advocates, the swearing-in ceremony was the final step after 35 hours of training which covered topics like trauma, resilience, poverty, mental health, substance use, domestic violence as well as the role of the CASA Volunteer. Additionally, they had the opportunity to meet with each area of Allen County Children Services Board to learn how they can work collaboratively with the assigned case worker and an evening at Allen County Juvenile Court meeting key players of the process and working through a mock trial.
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to providing a voice for children who have been abused, neglected, or dependent. To become a volunteer, no special experience is required, however you must be 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check.
CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties is actively recruiting new volunteers, anyone interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer watch social media for upcoming information sessions or contact the CASA office at 567-940-2272 or [email protected].
