CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There will be virtual information sessions on January 10 and January 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (via Zoom).

These sessions will help prospective volunteers learn more about the role in advance of the program’s next round of training.

The CASA program works with Springfield and Holyoke Juvenile Courts to improve stability, opportunities, and permanency outcomes for children with active Care & Protection cases through one-on-one advocacy.

A volunteer CASA provides important information about children involved in each case with presiding judges, including educational, behavioral, medical, family, and cultural needs to help them see the full picture. These certified CASAs build relationships and communicate with children, adults, and service providers because advocacy for educational, behavioral, medical, family, and cultural needs takes place in and out of court.

The CASA program promotes consistency for children by having an advocate remain appointed to his or her child for the length of the child’s case. The program also provides art supplies and games to their advocates to use with their CASA kids during their visits to build relationships—and to just have fun together.

During the virtual and in-person CASA information sessions, prospective volunteers will learn more about how they can make a vital impact in the lives of children in need and what they can expect from training. All volunteers are completely supported by CASA staff throughout their training and as they begin taking cases once training is complete.

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about becoming an advocate with CASA, learn more at chd.org/casa or register for a virtual info session.

If you have additional questions, contact an advocate supervisor at [email protected].