CASA volunteer training begins in March

CASA volunteer recruitment meeting was held at Chilango's Restaurant. From left are CASA Director, Lacey Buchanan, Betty Watts, Jenah Gunter, Deb Parks, June Roseberry and Christine O'Day. (Photo by Donna Nichols)

CASA volunteer recruitment meeting was held at Chilango's Restaurant in Woodbury on Thursday evening February 7th.

In addition to board members, Rutherford County CASA volunteer Christine O'Day attended and answered questions about her volunteer experience. Others attending were Betty Watts, Jenah Gunter, Deb Parks and June Roseberry.

Ms. O'Day spends approximately 10 hours per month in volunteer service. Typically, she visits the child twice a month; one visit will include the parents and DCS case manager. To ensure volunteer confidence, initial training and certification for CASA of Cannon County begins in March.

CASA Director, Lacey Buchanan, addressed the group and provided applications for volunteer service. She advised that as a front-line advocate, the CASA volunteer helps carry the burden of a child's placement in foster care from a troublesome home life. They are considered a Friend of the Court with best interest of the child always paramount.

There are 56 Tennessee counties with CASA volunteers. Ms. Buchanan's office is located in Room No. 11 of the old Health Department with identifying CASA emblem on the door.