CASA to welcome 2 new volunteers May 12

Friday, May 8, 2009

Rhonda Beerman of Marshall and Barbara Bryan of Alma will be sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates Tuesday, May 12, in a ceremony at the Saline County Courthouse, according to a CASA news release.

Beerman and Bryan will be sworn in as "Officers of

the Court" by the Judge Dennis Rolf at 1 p.m.

They will join 39 other national CASA trained volunteers who will speak in court for child victims of abuse and neglect, according to Robin McGinnity Connelly.

They will visit their foster child monthly, build relationship and gather information and personal observations, Connelly said.

They will submit written reports to the Court regarding the child's best interest. They will collaboratively work for implementation of services the children need.

They will work to ensure the child is safe and stable, and advocate for a permanent home for the child so as to minimize time spent in the juvenile system.

CASA served 83 children in 2008, according to the news release.

Anyone who is interested in standing up for a child victim of abuse in court can contact Connelly at casarobin@yahoo.com or call 660-815-7141.

The next CASA volunteer training will be in Slater in the fall of 2009, she said.

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It is wonderful to hear there are 39 CASA volunteers standing up for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Congratulations to the 15th Judicial Circuit CASA on a job well done!

-- Posted by ADVOCATE on Fri, May 8, 2009, at 7:01 PM