Marshall County CASA Volunteers Needed must also prepare and present a statement of the wishes of the child, and ensure the child's legal rights, needs and interests are protected. As a facilitator, the volunteer will assist the court, parent, By Jamie Fleury Staff Writer MARSHALL COUNTY-Marshall County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are needed. Training isn't guardian or custodian, social services and legal counsel in the scheduled but CASA Director Chastity Keller anticipates April. resolution of the problems relating to the delivery of services. As described by former CASA Director and current volunteer Melody Kruger, a CASA volunteer is that "go-to" person who with the orders of the court and inform the court of any helps children overcome. "One of the things that hit me during situation that may require a modification. The volunteer must training was we talked about resilience. We were talking about be prepared to initiate proceedings to modify or review court kids and all they are facing in society. When you look at what orders when necessary to protect the interest of the child. it is for kids who are resilient, who are able to overcome, one of the main things they talk about is having that person who is a volunteer. "go to". Someone who is very interested and who will listen to them. That's really what CASA is all about!" Marshall County has 26 current CASA volunteers; in addition to the Board of Directors. Keller has set a goal for 10 more volunteers to train this year. To be a CASA volunteer one must be 21 years of age or older, have a genuine concern for the well being of children, possess the ability to remain objective, have a realistic view of a child's needs, has a commitment to complete the initial training program and work well with others, possess the maturity to understand and deal with complex and emotional situations, and have the ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. CASA volunteers are tasked with four key roles and responsibilities; faet finder, advocate, facilitator, and monitor. As a fact finder, the volunteer must search for relevant facts and ensure that those facts are before the court at every hearing. As an advocator, the volunteer must present to the court their independent assessment of the child's needs and interests. They As a monitor, the volunteer will ensure that all parties comply Keller estimates an average of 10 hours of service a month per TM Make an impact! Change A Child's Story" Join other Marshall County volunteers representing ihe abused and neglected children in the court syslem. XCASA CLASSES STARTING SOON! Cour Appeinted Speciel Advnctes www.marshallcountycasa.org FOR CHILDREN PILOT PIKOTO / JAMIE FLEUKY Shown in photo feom lett to right Former Nrector Haley Kittrell, Disoctor of CASA Manhall Counly Chastity Kellet, and former Nirector and cument wolunteer Melody Kruger 574-935-8723 or visit www.marshallicountycasa.org to fill out an application Marshall County CASA Volunteers Needed must also prepare and present a statement of the wishes of the child, and ensure the child's legal rights, needs and interests are protected. As a facilitator, the volunteer will assist the court, parent, By Jamie Fleury Staff Writer MARSHALL COUNTY-Marshall County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are needed. Training isn't guardian or custodian, social services and legal counsel in the scheduled but CASA Director Chastity Keller anticipates April. resolution of the problems relating to the delivery of services. As described by former CASA Director and current volunteer Melody Kruger, a CASA volunteer is that "go-to" person who with the orders of the court and inform the court of any helps children overcome. "One of the things that hit me during situation that may require a modification. The volunteer must training was we talked about resilience. We were talking about be prepared to initiate proceedings to modify or review court kids and all they are facing in society. When you look at what orders when necessary to protect the interest of the child. it is for kids who are resilient, who are able to overcome, one of the main things they talk about is having that person who is a volunteer. "go to". Someone who is very interested and who will listen to them. That's really what CASA is all about!" Marshall County has 26 current CASA volunteers; in addition to the Board of Directors. Keller has set a goal for 10 more volunteers to train this year. To be a CASA volunteer one must be 21 years of age or older, have a genuine concern for the well being of children, possess the ability to remain objective, have a realistic view of a child's needs, has a commitment to complete the initial training program and work well with others, possess the maturity to understand and deal with complex and emotional situations, and have the ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. CASA volunteers are tasked with four key roles and responsibilities; faet finder, advocate, facilitator, and monitor. As a fact finder, the volunteer must search for relevant facts and ensure that those facts are before the court at every hearing. As an advocator, the volunteer must present to the court their independent assessment of the child's needs and interests. They As a monitor, the volunteer will ensure that all parties comply Keller estimates an average of 10 hours of service a month per TM Make an impact! Change A Child's Story" Join other Marshall County volunteers representing ihe abused and neglected children in the court syslem. XCASA CLASSES STARTING SOON! Cour Appeinted Speciel Advnctes www.marshallcountycasa.org FOR CHILDREN PILOT PIKOTO / JAMIE FLEUKY Shown in photo feom lett to right Former Nrector Haley Kittrell, Disoctor of CASA Manhall Counly Chastity Kellet, and former Nirector and cument wolunteer Melody Kruger 574-935-8723 or visit www.marshallicountycasa.org to fill out an application