CASA volunteer advocates sworn-in
Eight community members were recently sworn in as CASA/GAL volunteers. Pictured in back from left to right, Abby Yarus, Sara Sarafa, Judge Danni Coffman, Brittany Ritchie and Joan Driscoll. In front from left to right, Megan Maitland, Madeline Kasch, Regan Peschel and Patty Christensen.
Eight community members were recently sworn in as CASA/GAL volunteers.
Each will work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children in the Flathead County foster care system. District Court Judge Danni Coffman presided over the ceremony and administered the oath.
Each new advocate received a certificate for the 50 hours of training they completed. The training covers topics such as the CASA/GAL role, child development, substance abuse, domestic violence, assessing family strengths, the court process, laws relating to abuse/neglect, cultural diversity, interviewing, and how to write reports to the court.
In 2022, there were 235 children with 118 advocates in Flathead County served by CASA for Kids. CASA’s goal is to have an advocate for every abused/neglected child who enters the foster care system.
Applications are being accepted for the next training cycle, which starts in September 2023. Get more information at www.flatheadcasa.org or by calling 406-755-7208.