YWCA Clark County accepting applicants to help children in foster care
Volunteer applications are currently being accepted at YWCA Clark County, which serves more than 12,000 people each year who are survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, and oppression, according to a press release.
The fall volunteer training cycle starts Sept. 14. The greatest need is for volunteers in the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, as well as the sexual assault and domestic violence programs. Volunteers represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system, provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault, and support the safety and healing of families experiencing domestic violence.
CASA has seen a large increase in children coming into foster care and needs volunteers, who are trained to conduct independent investigations, and report their findings to the court with recommendations for what is in the best interest of the child. Children in foster care who have a volunteer CASA assigned, frequently experience shorter time in care, while also experiencing better outcomes, states the YWCA. Quite often during this time, CASA volunteers serve as the only constant adult presence in their lives.
Volunteer CASAs are currently advocating for approximately 350 children assigned to the program, with staff advocates covering an additional 300 children. The number of children coming into care continues to increase each year.
To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, browse ywcaclarkcounty.org/casa. Application and pre-training interview are required. For more information, call 360-906-9131 or info@ywcaclarkcounty.org.