The organization that helps protect the best interests of abused or neglected children in Hall and Dawson counties is looking to add volunteers this month.
The Hall-Dawson CASA, or court appointed special advocate, program is scheduled to begin its latest training window on Tuesday, February 14.
CASA volunteers are assigned cases and advocate for those children in, "court proceedings, the social service system and the community," according to the organization's website.
The 40-hour pre-service training runs for seven weeks and is held on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
"No special or legal background (is) required. Outside speakers, as well as staff and volunteers work together to make our training sessions educational, interesting, interactive and practical," according to CASA's website.
Volunteers must meet several qualifications, including completion of training, undergoing a criminal background check with fingerprinting and a personal interview with the training coordinator.
They must also commit to at least one year in the program and at least one case.
The training sessions are held at 603 Washington Street SW in Gainesville.
Applications, additional qualifications and more information about the program are available at the Hall-Dawson CASA website or by calling (770) 531-1964.
