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.
Local News
Program to help abused, neglected children starts
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
