(Spirit Lake)– The Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA program, is looking for some volunteers in Dickinson county. CASA trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for a safe and permanent home for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Program coordinator Kathy Fritz says they need at least four new volunteers in Dickinson county.
Volunteers receive training in a number of areas, including the juvenile justice system, social services and child trauma response. Upon completion of the training, volunteers are sworn into service by a judge. Once assigned to a case volunteers regularly visit the child and visit with the child’s parents, teachers, service providers and other adults in the child’s life. They also write and submit reports to the courts, making recommendations about the child’s needs and best interests.
Anyone interested in applying should contact Fritz at 712-749-5184 or visit childadvocacy.iowa.gov.
CASA is overseen by Iowa’s Child Advocacy Board, which became part of Health and Human Services on July 1st of this year.
