By Crystal Guess, M.S.P., M.S.

Special to the Tribune

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Marshall County just held their first swearing-in ceremony for a volunteer at the Marshall County Courthouse. Pamela Alexander completed her screening and 10-week training in November. Judge Lee Bussart swore in the Alexander and then allowed her to stay and observe court on Dec. 8.

Each volunteer will be appointed to cases of abused and/or neglected children to advocate on behalf of the children's best interests. Each volunteer will work with a child or sibling group until the case is closed, and a safe and permanent placement is found for the child. There are more than 68,000 CASA volunteers throughout the country.

CASA of Lincoln and Marshall County is excited to begin its next volunteer training on Jan. 27 in Petersburg. Anyone who is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer may call (931) 438-3233 or email casasupervisor@juniorshousecac.org if they want to learn more about CASA or how they can get involved.

Crystal Guess is the Executive Director of Junior's House, Inc.