New Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in in Toledo to speak up for abused and neglected children in Lucas County Juvenile Court.

CASA volunteers are everyday residents who advocate for kids in the court system, making sure their voices are heard as their cases move through the courts.

“I’m appreciative of the life that I have. I want to do something where I am giving back,” said Kathy Wagner, executive director of a Toledo nonprofit, on why she volunteered.

Ten volunteers were sworn in Friday by Lucas County Juvenile Court Administrative Judge Linda Knepp and Judge Amy Stoner. The new advocates — who include foster parents, retired teachers, a retired attorney, and a nursing instructor — completed a six-week training program that teaches them to investigate cases, conduct interviews, and write reports. Lexi Hayes, one of the new volunteers, has worked in social services in the Toledo area for 14 years. Anyone age 21 or older can become a CASA volunteer, and no experience is necessary; the next training session begins May 5, with applications due April 23. More information is available at casakids.net.

For readers who want to help, CASA programs are always looking for new volunteers to stand up for kids who need an advocate.

Source: The Blade

Historic photo: Detroit Publishing Co. / Library of Congress via Wikimedia Commons — the Lucas County Courthouse, 1908.