The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program in Curry County is seeking qualified volunteers to speak up for children in court.

The children helped by CASA volunteers are victims of abuse and neglect. The CASA volunteer offers the child trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. Volunteers make sure that the abuse and neglect that the children originally suffered at home doesn’t continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.

Locally, the program is under the umbrella of Oregon Coast Community Action and is supported by the Curry Commission on Children and Families, National CASA Association, and community donations. At this time, the program serves less than half of the children who need a CASA and the Curry CASA program is working hard to increase the number of volunteers.

To volunteer, applicants must be able to attend 30 hours of training. They will be screened through interviews and reference checks. The program is scheduled to begin training in January 2008.

For more information or to apply, those interested can call Cindy Davis at (541) 469-3155 or Nora Nicholas at 888-7188.