Good Deeds: Court Appointed Special Advocates help children

Court Appointed Special Advocates that serve children in the 32nd judicial circuit including Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties volunteer time to form relationships with children who have allegedly been abused and neglected. The also work with other adults in the children's lives to help judges offer the best possible plan for their placement.

Court dockets have become overcrowded as the number of abuse and neglect cases increases.

CASAs support children in foster care until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Volunteers must go through 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of continuing education annually. These sworn-in officers of the court are everyday members of the community who choose to advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Many are parents themselves, have full time jobs and are active in the community, too.