Blue Ridge CASA for Children is putting out a call for more volunteers to serve as advocates for children facing abuse and neglect in the court system. CASA, which stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocates, assigns trained volunteers to speak on behalf of vulnerable children, ensuring their best interests are represented during legal proceedings.
According to Alexis Mackey, outreach and development manager for Blue Ridge CASA, no prior legal background is required. Volunteers complete a six-week training program that includes a mock case designed to prepare them for writing court reports and navigating real-world cases.
Ideally, each volunteer handles one case at a time, but a shortage of volunteers has caused some, like Chris Biby, to take on more than one. Biby, who has served for six months, is currently advocating for two children. He said his motivation comes from wanting to give kids a voice in situations where many decisions are made without their input.
“In these court cases, there are a lot of moving parts,” Biby explained. “We help dig out the details to help make the best decision for the children.”
Volunteers typically spend between five to ten hours per week on their casework, which can include reading reports, meeting with children, and staying in contact with others involved in the child’s life. Blue Ridge CASA asks volunteers to commit to a case for at least a year, contributing a minimum of six hours each month.
With the growing need for support, the organization hopes more community members will step up to ensure every child has someone fighting in their corner. Learn more at the Blue Ridge CASA's Volunteer website.
SOURCE: WHSV3