April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month and “Strong & Thriving Families” is the 2020 theme. Gathering in large groups will not be possible in the near future in order to rally for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention, but the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children program recommends ways to help. Training to become a CASA Volunteer is one of those options.

CASA is seeking volunteers to become advocates for children. Even in these uncertain times CASA Volunteers are still working to advocate for children living in foster homes due to abuse or neglect. Though the organization is not currently offering “in-person” training, in May 2020 they will be conducting an all online Child Advocate pre-service training.

The 22nd Judicial District CASA, Inc. serves Hughes, Pontotoc and Seminole counties, which make up the 22nd Judicial District. At this time in the district, there are approximately 190 children in DHS custody and in foster homes who do not have a CASA Volunteer Advocate. The need is great, and volunteer service would make an impact for these children.

Please contact either of the offices for more information or to request a Volunteer application packet. For Pontotoc County, call (580) 332-1414 or for Hughes and Seminole counties, call (580) 320-9622. Those interested can also send an email to GetInvolved@adacasa.org or visit the website www.adacasa.org.