CASA volunteers sworn in

Six community members were sworn in on May 20 as CASA volunteers. Each will work as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for abused and neglected children in the Flathead County foster care system.

District Judge Dan Wilson presided over the ceremony. Family and friends of the volunteers were in attendance, as well as CASA staff members. A certificate for the 55 hours of training they completed was presented by Cindy Basnett, CASA for Kids program director. The training covers topics such as the CASA/GAL role, child development, domestic violence, family strengths, court process, laws relating to abuse/neglect, cultural diversity, interviewing and writing court reports.

Last year 244 children were served by CASA for Kids.

CASA’s goal is to have an advocate for every abused/neglected child who enters the foster care system. The next training cycle starts in September. More information is available at www.flatheadcasa.org/volunteer or by calling 406-755-7208.