Volunteers train to help children in need

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Six volunteers underwent training to become court appointed special advocates (CASA) here Sept. 19.

Moody and the CASA program brought the training here in an effort to make it more accessible to military members and their families that often have trouble attending the standard night training sessions.

CASAs are volunteers who advocate for the wellbeing of abused, neglected and abandoned children involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings.

"Our children can get so lost in the system," said Elaine Grice, CASA director. "A lot of times Children move from foster home to foster home to foster home until they finally find a permanent home. But their CASA stays the same. The CASA is a constant in their life that will always be there for them. They are the anchor to that child."

As part of their responsibilities, CASAs talk not only to the children about their wishes but talk to parents, foster parents, school officials and often times anyone who comes in regular contact with the children.

CASAs then use this information to write their findings in a case report and submit their recommendation to the judge.

"Without , kids don't have a voice," said Vivian Heggins, 23d Equipment Maintenance Squadron secretary. "No one is telling their story. Kids get the short end of the stick all the time."

Now, after these CASA volunteers have completed the classroom training, background checks and interviews, they will observe a court session with a fully-certified CASA. Once they accomplish all these requirements, the volunteers will be sworn in by a judge.

The Moody Airman and Family Readiness Center and CASA hope to host at least one full CASA certification course a year.

For more information or to begin the process of becoming a CASA, contact Grice's office at 229-686-6576.