CASA Nashville looking for volunteers

Jenny Magill, a public relations associate for the Nashville chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates, addressed SPNA members at last week's membership meeting. CASA is looking for volunteers who can assist in advocating for the needs of the abused and neglected children.

CASA will hold volunteer training sessions through its CASA College initiative beginning in January 2009. See the organization's volunteer information page for more details and to sign up if you are interested in being involved. Here is additional information about CASA:

CASA provides trained community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who come to the attention of the court primarily as a result of abuse or neglect.

Last Year in Nashville, close to 2000 children were caught up in the court because they were abused, neglected or abandoned by those they loved and trusted the most.
These children find themselves in foster care or temporary situations, often bouncing from home to home to home. Juvenile Courts must make critical decisions about these vulnerable children's lives, often with a disturbing shortage of facts.

Fortunately, there is an organization that puts children first. It's called CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Staffed almost entirely by non-paid volunteers, CASA can make a real difference in the lives of children at risk. CASA's mission is to expedite the process through which these abused and neglected children find permanent, safe homes.