CASA for Kids informational session Dec. 10 in Libby
Learn how to become an advocate for a child in foster care
December 4, 2018
Join CASA for Kids, Monday, December 10th at 5:30pm, to learn more about how to become an advocate for a child in foster care. The meeting will be located in Room 117 of the Lincoln County campus of Flathead Valley Community College, 225 Commerce Way in Libby. There will be a brief informative session. Light refreshments will be served
Every day children are abused and neglected. In 2008, the number of Montana kids in foster care totaled 1,507. Ten years later, that number has grown to nearly 4,000 kids, an increase of 165 percent, according to a report filed by the Protect Montana Kids Commission. Currently, there are over 60 children involved with Lincoln County’s 19th Judicial District Court system through no fault of their own. These children are typically referred to as foster children. Come learn more about what you can do for these children.
Children in foster care need a voice. This is when the CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, steps in. CASA for Kids matches foster children with an advocate who will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. In Lincoln County, the CASA serves as the child’s guardian ad litem. The advocate ensures that the child’s needs and best interests are heard in the court system.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and able to pass both a criminal and CPS background. They need to complete at least 50 hours of training, make a commitment to remain with their assigned child for the duration of the child’s case and be willing to work with a team of professionals for the child’s best interest. A qualified volunteer will have excellent written and oral communication skills, basic computer skills, a willingness to work with a team, and most important, a heart for children.
CASA 101 training begins on January 17, 2019. To become part of Lincoln County’s first-ever CASA class, applications must be submitted by January 4, 2019. Applications packets will be available at the information session or you can request one be sent to you by calling the CASA office, (406) 291-8912.
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