Family Support Council looking for volunteers to serve as advocates for children in foster care.

Published 6:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2017

The Family Support Council is looking for volunteers to help some of this area’s most vulnerable individuals.

Whitfield and Murray counties currently have 25 court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers.

“We need to double that,” said Tracy Harmon, Murray/Whitfield CASA volunteer outreach coordinator.

CASAs are the advocates for children who have been taken from their families by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and placed in foster care. CASAs are the voice of those children in Juvenile Court, says Harmon. They interview the children, and others involved in the case, and make recommendations to the court and DFCS about what ought to happen with the child.

“They write a report before each court session. They make sure that parents are taking the classes or meeting the other conditions imposed by the court,” Harmon said.

The Family Support Council plans to start training for new CASAs on April 28. The training will consist of one session of about three hours a week for 10 weeks.

“During the training, they will also have to visit Juvenile Court, so they are familiar with the process,” said Harmon.

Whitfield/Murray CASAs handle only one or two cases at a time, and it generally takes about 10 hours each month of their time.

Those interested in volunteering and taking part in the training should call the Family Support Council at (706) 428-7934. There will also be a mixer for CASAs on Monday, April 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Family Support Council, 529 Waring Rd N.W., Dalton. Those interested in volunteering are invited to attend the mixer to find out more about being a CASA.