Volunteers sought for child advocate court program

Residents of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County have a unique opportunity to be an advocate for the children of our community who need it the most.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA of the Fifth Judicial District, serves abused and neglected children by providing them with someone who will support them through the scary halls of the court system and the frightening changes that can go on inside the family unit during times of crisis.

As of last December, the CASA program was serving 58 children in Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie Counties, but there are still children needing the services of an advocate.

Volunteers with the CASA program work with the young victims, going with them to court, checking on them at home and working as a liaison between the child and the judge.

Comprehensive training and support is provided to the volunteers.

CASA works because the children realize quickly that this person is there because they care about the child, not because they are being paid to be there, creating a trusting bond between the volunteer and the victim.

If you are interested in helping these children and have a few hours each week to spend on their future, please contact CASA of the Fifth Judicial District by calling Buffy Burris at 307-587-4361.