Program That Helps Neglected And Abused Kids Needs You

It's called CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates and the program in Yakima County is looking for volunteers. Program Coordinator Kaycee Looney says advocates are trained volunteers appointed by the court to look out for the best interest of of kids who are alledged to have been abused and or neglected by parents or other caregivers.
The program is looking for volunteers. Looney says a CASA volunteer must be 21-years-old or older complete an initial training of 30 hours, which includes four hours of observation in the courtroom, and pass a criminal background check as well as a child protective services history check.
Three new positions have been created within Yakima County CASA under a victims of crime act grant funding project. The positions are focusing on recruiting and training new CASA volunteers for the program as well as speaking to the community to provide education on the mission of the CASA program. The next training is set for 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday, August 8 at the Yakima county juvenile jail at 1728 Jerome Avenue in Yakima. For more information call 574-2177.