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Two seats are still available in the next virtual CASA volunteer training for Lincoln County. The 30-hour training enables participants to serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers for abused and neglected Lincoln County children.

“There are hundreds of Lincoln County children with open family court cases right now, who would benefit from having a CASA volunteer looking out for their best interests,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the CASA program serving Lincoln County. “CASA volunteers identify and help solve problems that are keeping these children from having safe, permanent homes. They work behind the scenes, but they impact the future of Lincoln County in huge ways.”

The virtual training consists of seven two-hour classes held over Zoom, from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 9, 11, 18 and 25 and June 1, 8 and 15. Participants will also complete homework-style assignments on their own time, for a total of 30 hours of training.

CASA volunteers are trained on how children are impacted by poverty, racism, substance use in their homes, domestic violence and many other factors. The training also teaches them how to interview different people involved in a child’s life, how to write court reports, and how the local court system works.

Once trained, a CASA volunteer is matched to the case of an abused or neglected child or sibling set in the Lincoln County family court system who needs an advocate. CASA volunteers spend 5-10 hours a month visiting the child, talking to adults involved in the child’s life, writing court reports and attending family court hearings.

Each CASA volunteer is supported by a Volunteer Manager, who goes on the first home visit, attends court and is always available to help.

“Becoming a CASA volunteer is a serious commitment. We want every CASA volunteer to stick with their assigned child until the case is closed,” Jamison said. “But we provide all the supports needed so anyone with a heart for helping kids can be successful and change a child’s story.”

All CASA volunteers must be 21 years old and pass a series of background checks. Anyone interested in claiming the last seat in the upcoming training can apply at www.casaoflexington.org/advocates.

APPLY ONLINE

The next virtual training for new Lincoln County CASA volunteers begins May 9 and a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. To apply for the remaining seats in the training, visit www.casaoflexington.org/advocates.

About CASA of Lexington

CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court systems in Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott and Woodford counties to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe and thrive in a permanent home. Changes such as where the child lives or goes to school, changes in social workers, teachers and friends, as well as the uncertainty of what life holds, can be very overwhelming for these children.  The CASA volunteer is there to help recognize what the child needs, work to minimize these detrimental changes, and advocate for positive changes for the child’s future. Learn more at casaoflexington.org, by calling (859) 246-4313 or by emailing info@casaoflexington.org.