Volunteers needed to help abused, neglected kids

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County CASA/Guardian ad Litem Program is seeking community volunteers for its spring training class.

Court-appointed special advocates represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court proceedings. Initially, volunteers agree to 30 hours of training held over six weeks and make a one-year commitment to advocate for one case. Twelve hours of continuing education per year is need to continue as a guardian ad litem.

CASA is a national program that uses the services of more than 55,000 volunteers. Locally, there are 35 volunteers who are involved in the lives of 119 children.

For information, call the CASA office at (330) 740-2239 or www.mccasa.org. The application deadline is March 1.