Saline County CASA needs you
When you see a child less than 2 years old with cigarette burns to the arm, bruises that look like fingerprints, burns to the cheek, broken limbs, what do you do? One thing you need to do is call the Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 25 ABUSE.
Another thing you can do is get involved with CASA of Saline County. Well-trained advocates with CASA of Saline County serve children up to 18, speaking up for them in the courtroom.
CASA of Saline County conducts training sessions in the spring and one in the fall. This is an intense, 36-hour course with six hours of court observation.
The fall training will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10 in the lower level of First Mid Bank at 2 E Locust St., Suite B1, in Harrisburg.
Advocates need to pass a federal and state background and fingerprint check and CANTS check, and go through an interview process.
Once on board, you will be appointed by the judge as a CASA (court appointed special advocate). Then you will be assigned a case. On average, you will spend 10-20 hours on the case per month. You will investigate the facts, consult legal counsel and community resources and make recommendations to the court as to what is in the best interest of the child or children. You will continue to monitor the case until a final disposition is achieved.
CASA of Saline County asks for at least an 18-month commitment.
The goal is to reunite the child or children with their family, or find them a safe, secure and permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA advocates work with the children, biological parents, foster parents, medical professionals, counselors, teachers and legal professionals to make the best possible recommendations to the court.
"Sometimes it is possible to reunite the children with their family and sometimes it isn't," said CASA Director Trina Irwin.
She said CASA of Saline County would like to serve 100 percent of the children who need their services, but due to a lack of volunteers they can only serve 43 percent currently.
At an early age, many of these children are subjected to sex, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, trafficking and uncaring adults. The effects of this on children can last a lifetime.
It is important to find individuals to stand up for these children. There are many children falling through the cracks, partly because people turn a blind eye or don't want to get involved.
To apply to become a CASA advocate, call (618) 253-3355, visit www.casaofsalinecounty.org; find CASA of Saline County on Facebook or email salinecocasa@yahoo.com.
It just takes one caring person to make a difference. You may save the life of a child!</group><group id="89E017C7-E1EA-4D06-9458-59598F7B1E17" type="seoLabels"><