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 the following Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (via Zoom): February 7, February 28, March 6, and March 20.

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

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

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.

CASA will also be presenting at a panel discussion hosted by the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley at the Ludlow Country Club on February 12 and in a forum at Springfield College on March 13: “Fostering Equity and Inclusion for Latinas/os in Child and Family Welfare.”

Pictured is the swearing-in of new CASA volunteers at Springfield Juvenile Court last November.