CASA banquet honors Advocates for Children

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN and supporters gathered for a ceremony last week on the Jasper courthouse lawn recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Kristian Dillard, 11, read the poem "I am Sarah" with city and county officials in attendance. Courtesy photos

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will hold an appreciation banquet Friday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Buna.

Judy Biscamp, administrative assistant for the Advocates for Children in Jasper, said it is their annual recognition and awards ceremony for volunteers who fight for the children's interest in court proceedings.

Volunteers receive 30 hours of training in subjects likes child abuse and neglect, child protective services, the courts, diversity, child development and court reporting skills.

To be a CASA volunteer, someone must be at least 21 years of age, submit and application and agree to a criminal background check.

For more information on becoming a volunteer or supporting the program, contact Judy Biscamp at 384-2272.

The banquet date also coincides with national volunteer appreciation week, and national child abuse prevention month.