Recognizing the need for trained and supervised volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children, the Berrien County Collaborative recently secured the newest affiliate of the Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The new program, serving the Alapaha Circuit — consisting of Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook and Lanier counties — will host a volunteer orientation Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at the YES Center in Nashville.

The momentum of the program began when State Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, contacted Georgia CASA about the possible creation of this volunteer-based organization in her home community.

“Across the state, we have a huge problem with child abuse and neglect,” said Houston. “I wanted to make sure that the children in my circuit had the same advantages of CASA (volunteer) advocacy as children in other circuits.”

Since then, a committee comprised of directors of the local Family Connections organizations, Juvenile Court Judge Jody Steedley, and interested citizens has been meeting regularly to establish the program that will be administered by the Berrien County Collaborative Inc.

“CASA will provide trained and supervised community volunteers who work to ensure safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children,” said Matt Jansen, executive director of the Berrien County Collaborative. “This is a great opportunity for people to donate a little time and do a lot of good.”

CASA is a nationally branded program that has been in existence for over 30 years. CASA programs provide screened, trained, and supervised community volunteers who are appointed by the judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. There are currently 48 CASA programs in Georgia with 1,870 volunteers serving 8,760 children statewide.

In Georgia’s 2007 fiscal year, the number of children in Division of Family and Children Services custody at any given point in time in the Alapaha Circuit was 181. The commitment of at least 60 CASA volunteers will be needed to serve all of these children.

“CASA volunteers will bring a sense of urgency for these children’s needs, both in and out of the courtroom, by providing individualized attention to their cases,” said Elaine Douglas, director of the CASA program. “They will increase the child’s access to services and advocate for timeliness and permanency.”

The orientation is designed to educate and engage potential child advocates about volunteering for the program. CASA training is scheduled to begin Feb. 24. Those seeking more information on the CASA of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit program are encouraged to call (229) 686-6576 or email elaine.douglas@

berrien.k12.ga.us.