Advocates Wanted

For those who can look out for kids who need it more than most, the News-Gazette highlighted a County program that'd be worth the while.

Champaign County CASA training begins next week
Training begins next week for volunteers interested in speaking up for abused and neglected children in the Champaign County court system.

Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocates will conduct classes beginning on Tuesday for three nights a week until completion on May 9.

Advocates are paired with the more than 370 children in the system, working with the child and social-service agencies to ensure that the best interests of the child are met throughout the court process. The advocates report to the judge assigned to the case.

Champaign County CASA has been providing services since 1994; in 2004, the agency became the "guardian ad litem" for all abused and neglected children in the county.

Full article including qualification information here.