FORT SMITH - The Sebastian County CASA organization is hoping that they can get more volunteers to step up and advocate for disadvantaged children. The group announced this week that a training session for new volunteers will be held next week.
“A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained citizen volunteer appointed by the Juvenile Court to ensure that the needs and interests of abused or neglected children are being met.” the organization explained on social media. “CASA’s are assigned to dependent children who are under the Juvenile Court’s jurisdiction and are assigned at the discretion of the Judge of the Juvenile Court. (The child is already in protective custody when a CASA is assigned.)”
Organizers say the need is getting more urgent.
“CASA’s have always been needed but are needed now more than ever due to the opioid crisis in this community and nation!” the group said.
The training session is scheduled for Tuesday January 16th at 5:30 PM. For more information, call (479) 785-4171.
