The Children's Advocacy Center's recent "Blue Kids Benefit" raised money for their CASA Program.

The CASA Program trains community volunteers to provide advocacy for abused and neglected children. Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center, Judy Brucker explains the volunteer will speak on their behalf at court hearings to make sure they are being taken care of properly.

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Because of the turnover in the social work field, Brucker says they find sometimes the most consistent person in some situations is the CASA worker. She says it takes a lot of dedication to be a CASA worker, as cases can take up to two years or more to be resolved.

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CASA workers will not be asked to be continuously on a case, in fact, Brucker notes they always encourage their CASA workers to take a break once a case has been closed.
She says their volunteers last year helped over 150 children in need and dedicated thousands of hours.

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The need for CASA workers is very high right now, and Brucker explains the "Blue Kids Benefit" fundraiser will help them in their goal to expand the program. She explains they would like to find enough CASA workers to benefit another 60 children that come into their care.

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CASA workers will always have a professional advisor to guide them through their case. Brucker says each CASA worker is required to complete 40-hours of training. That training is completed over several weeks, and there is always continuing education they can take as well.

To learn more about the CASA program or to become a volunteer, you contact Judy Brucker at the Children's Advocacy Center at 309-888-5656.