Child advocates needed, training begins July 7

The Office of the Child Advocate - Court Appointed Special Advocate Program of Delaware -  is expanding its efforts to represent the interests of abused and neglected children. The program is seeking qualified adults to serve as CASA volunteers.

Trained volunteers are appointed by Family Court judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court proceedings. CASA volunteers conduct independent investigations into the child's life, and provide information and recommendations to the judge. They work with attorneys, social workers and family members to attain the goal of a safe and permanent home for each child.

CASA volunteers have varied professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment. Each volunteer accepted into the program must complete 30 hours of initial training. Casework supervision is provided by full-time program coordinators.

Spots are still available for these training dates:

Friday, July 7, and Monday, July 10, Lewes library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, July 11, and Wednesday, July 12, DelDOT Central Office, 930 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, July 14, Kent County Family Court, 400 Court St., Dover, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteers must attend all of the above dates. Additional statewide trainings will be held later this year.

For more information or to apply, go to http://courts.delaware.gov/childadvocate or contact Melissa Palokas, CASA program coordinator, at 302-752-3775 or Melissa.palokas@state.de.us.