BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A group of court-appointed special advocates will be sworn in later this week to serve Simpson and Allen counties for the first time.
CASA of South Central Kentucky said the ceremony will be held on March 8 at 10 a.m. at the Simpson County Judicial Center. The Honorable Judge Ashley Douglas will administer the oath. Eight advocates are expected to join the cause. Six will be placed in Allen and Simpson counties.
Advocates are appointed by a family court judge to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears when it comes to gathering information about children moving through the court system. They also speak and work with others involved in those cases and make written recommendations to courts regarding whether children should return home or be adopted.
“Our Advocates are often the only constant in the child’s life as they work their way through the system,” a news release said. “Social workers change, and foster families change, but our Advocates are there for that child throughout. Advocates are there to help in an overburdened and overworked system.”
Advocates are community volunteers and receive 30 hours of training, which is offered four times each year. The next training is slated for June.
Those wanting more information about becoming an advocate or CASA should contact Steve Jones, the advocate development specialist. He can be reached at steve@casaofsck.org or (270) 782-5353. As a note, CASA said each person undergoes extensive background checks and does not have to have a background in childcare, social work or law.
CASA of South Central Kentucky expanded its reach earlier this year to include Allen, Simpson, and Edmonson counties. They also serve Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Hart, Metcalfe, Simpson and Warren counties.
