Lakeway CASA classes to be held in Hamblen in October

An application process is required to join the training.

CASAs are community members who volunteer with Lakeway CASA.

They work with children in the child welfare system who have already experienced abuse and neglect.

They meet with children in person at least monthly and provide information to judges that help them make the most well-informed decisions about each child.

Volunteers receive 30 hours of pre-service training.

Once training is completed, volunteers devote an average of 10 hours a month to representing the best interests of the children they serve.

Every volunteer has the support of a CASA team member and child advocate team through every step of each case. Training and educational opportunities are available each month.

No special experience is needed, just an interest in helping children.

Lakeway CASA is currently advocating for more than 130 children.

Children who are often experiencing the most challenging time of their young life due to abuse and neglect.

These children are suddenly removed from their home, all they know and love.

While Lakeway CASA knows that these actions protect the child and provide them a better life, from the child’s perspective, it can feel isolating and lonely.

They have school activities, doctor’s appointments, lessons to learn, and now, they also have court dates, visits with parents and check-in’s with social workers.

The good news is that there are ways to help these children through these challenging days. CASA volunteers are there to provide much needed support through this scary time.

CASA volunteers take the time to get to know the child and are constantly in the middle of all the shuffle, uncertainty and chaos. Someone who is there for the tough days, the great days and the in-between days. Someone whose one goal for the child is to have a safe, loving and permanent home.

CASA volunteers ensure that children do not fall in between the cracks of an overburdened system. Volunteers add much-needed advocacy at the center of the court case.

Volunteering with CASA provides great commitment and time, but the rewards are life-changing for both children and advocates. CASA volunteers build trusting relationships with children offering consistency during an uncertain time for the child.

Becoming a CASA volunteer is an opportunity to impact a child’s life while giving back to the community.

CASA volunteers gather information about the child, help identify needs and possible services, monitor court orders and case plans to help the child find a loving, safe home.

For more information, call Lakeway CASA at 423-307-5762.